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