I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: obsolete English stale stalemate (from Middle English, from Anglo-French estale, literally, fixed position, from Old French estal place, position, stand, stall) + English mate (III)
1. : a drawing position in chess in which only the king can move and although not in check can move only into check
2. : a position from which neither contestant can derive a winning advantage : a drawn contest : deadlock
II. transitive verb
: to bring into a stalemate