a plastic pail having a continuous side wall and a radially extending rim includes a pair of diametrically opposed bail ears which receive a bail . the bail ears are of a box - like configuration and extend outwardly from the side wall and downwardly from the rim . an outer face of the bail ear has an aperture through which the bail is received . a plurality of connecting walls join the outer face with the side wall , and an arcuate configuration joins the connecting walls to the side wall . the bail includes an elongated gripping portion with a pair of diverging side portions extending therefrom . a pair of connectors defined by arcs having a circumferential extent greater than 180 ° is joined to the respective side portions by substantially parallel end portions .