Buck″et (�), n. [OE. boket; cf. AS. buc pitcher, or Corn. buket tub.] 1. A vessel for drawing up water from a well, or for catching, holding, or carrying water, sap, or other liquids.
The old oaken bucket, the iron-bound bucket,
The moss-covered bucket, which hung in the well.
Wordsworth.
2. A vessel (as a tub or scoop) for hoisting and conveying coal, ore, grain, etc.
3. (Mach.) One of the receptacles on the rim of a water wheel into which the water rushes, causing the wheel to revolve; also, a float of a paddle wheel.
4. The valved piston of a lifting pump.
Fire bucket, a bucket for carrying water to put out fires. — To kick the bucket, to die.