Middle English Dictionary Entry
stāle n.(5)
Entry Info
| Forms | stāle n.(5) |
| Etymology | From AF estaler to stalemate or ME stālen v.(3); cp. AF estale, var. of OF estal position. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
A stalemate in chess; also fig. [2nd quot.].
Associated quotations
- c1475 *Chess(2) [OD col.] (Ashm 344)lf.18b : Þan draw thi fers in to e & þi other fers in to f as nye thy knyght as thow mayst savyng stale.
- c1500(?a1437) ?Jas.I KQ (SeldArch B.24)st.169 : 'Off mate?' quod sche..'thou has fundin stale This mony day.'