n. & v.
n. 1 Chess a position counting as a draw, in which a player is not in check but cannot move except into check. 2 a deadlock or drawn contest.
v.tr. 1 Chess bring (a player) to a stalemate. 2 bring to a standstill.
[ obs. stale (f. AF estale f. estaler be placed: cf. STALE(1)) + MATE(2) ]