[stale] adj stal.er ; stal.est [ME, aged (of ale), not fresh; akin to MD stel stale] (15c) 1: tasteless or unpalatable from age
2: tedious from familiarity
3: impaired in legal force or effect by reason of being allowed to rest without timely use, action, or demand "a ~ affidavit" "a ~ debt"
4: impaired in vigor or effectiveness -- stale.ly adv -- stale.ness n
[2]stale vb staled ; stal.ing vt (1599) 1: to make stale
2. archaic: to make common: cheapen ~ vi: to become stale [3]stale vi staled ; stal.ing [ME; akin to MLG stallen to urinate, stal urine of horses] (15c): urinate--used chiefly of camels and horses [4]stale n (1548): urine of a domestic animal (as a horse)