adjective
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
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
