Just a few more definitions of these words.
From A glossary of mining terms by WG Orchard (1991 - published in Cornwall)
Bal - the miners' term for a mine; a very old term
Sett - A lease stating the boundaries and terms of the mining ground taken
by the adventurers
Wheal - A corruption of the word 'Huel' which means hole, or mine pit. A
prefix to the names of most mines
(COMMENT: note this doesn't say cornish for work - is this refering to
another meaning or derivation perhaps?)
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And just for a different perspective, from the Derbyshire Lead Mining
Glossary by Nellie Kirkham (April 1949):
Bal - not defined
Set (note only one t) - A lease of land for mining
Setters-on - The boys who collected the ore-whiskets from the miners
underground
Setting a mine - The customary occupation of land for mining purpose
Wheal - Cornish word for mine (name of a mine near Sheldon)
(COMMENT: was Wheal originally from a specific mine as the Derbs miners seem
to think?
Another definition from same book:
Whisket A basket used underground and above ground in which ore was
collected (the same as SPEL-BASKET)
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Roger
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