Sentence:  I reached across beneath the cow to attach a metal <WSD>bail</WSD> to each end of the strap so that the <WSD>bail</WSD> hung about 5 inches below the cow's belly....While stroking and talking to the cow, I reached under and suspended the machine on the <WSD>bail</WSD> beneath the cow, with its four suction cups dangling to one side. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  A hoop, ring or handle "(especially of a kettle or bucket)".