[Chuckster]

The phrase “beyond the pale” dates back to the 14th century....

"Beyond the pail" OTOH, dates back to Lord Nelson's time and refers to missing the bucket as the boat rolls when one is seasick. Personal experience.

[bagster]

"Beyond the pail" OTOH, dates back to Lord Nelson's time and refers to missing the bucket as the boat rolls when one is seasick. Personal experience.

I'd always thought that this was the origin of "beyond the pale".

Beyond the Pale

The Pale, a defensive line between that part of Ireland under English dominion and the rest of the island under Gaelic control; a usage associated with the phrase "beyond the pale", meaning unacceptable behaviour.

Bagster