Main Entry: ¹stale

Pronunciation: \ˈstāl\

Function: adjective

Inflected Form(s): stal·er; stal·est

Etymology: Middle English, settled, clear (of ale), not fresh, from Anglo-French estale, probably from Middle Dutch stel old (of beer)

Date: 15th century

1 : tasteless or unpalatable from age <stale bread>
2 : tedious from familiarity <a stale routine>
3 : impaired in legal force or effect by reason of being allowed to rest without timely use, action, or demand <a stale affidavit> <a stale debt>
4 : impaired in vigor or effectiveness

— stale·ly \ˈstāl-lē\ adverb

— stale·ness noun