n. A vessel for drawing up water from a well, or for catching, holding, or carrying water, sap, or other liquids.n. A vessel (as a tub or scoop) for hoisting and conveying coal, ore, grain, etc.n. 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.n. The valved piston of a lifting pump.n. one of vanes on the rotor of a turbine.n. a bucketfull.v. To draw or lift in, or as if in, buckets.v. To pour over from a bucket; to drench.v. To ride (a horse) hard or mercilessly.v. To make, or cause to make (the recovery), with a certain hurried or unskillful forward swing of the body.