n.
Pronunciation: ' p ā l
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French pel, pal stake, from Latin palus ― more at POLE
Date: 12th century
1 archaic : PALISADE , PALING
2 a : one of the stakes of a palisade b : PICKET
3 a : a space or field having bounds : ENCLOSURE b : a territory or district within certain bounds or under a particular jurisdiction
4 : an area or the limits within which one is privileged or protected (as from censure) <conduct that was beyond the pale >
5 : a perpendicular stripe on a heraldic shield