E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Bulling the Barrel
is pouring water into a rum cask, when it is nearly empty, to prevent its leaking. The water, which gets impregnated with the spirit and is very intoxicating, is called bull.
1
Seamen talk of bulling the teapot (making a second brew), bulling the coffee, etc.
