adj.
Pronunciation: ' st ā l
Function: adjective
Inflected Form: 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 \ ' st ā l-l ē \ adverb
– stale · ness noun