A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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About this entry:
First published 2001 (DOST Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Quotation dates: 1460-1699
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Stale, Staill, adj. Also: stell. [ME and e.m.E. stale (c1300), Flem. stel. Prob. ultim. f. as Stand v.] Chiefly of ale (also, once, of water): a. That has stood for a time to clear, free from lees, clear, ready for drinking. b. No longer fresh, sour.a. 1460 Hay Alex. 16105.
Veschell To hald the wattir in quhill that it war stale … Syne bettir wattir was nane a1568 Bannatyne MS 145a/13.
Quha brewis and gevis me of the best Sa it be stark and staill Quhyt & cleir 15.. Christis Kirk (Laing MS) § 23.
The bridgroome brocht a pint of ale & bad the pyper drink. Drink it (quothe he) & it so stale A schrew me if I think it 1610 Inverurie 195.
That they be dewly advertisit be the brewsteris when the samyn are staill c1650 Spalding II 414.
The first nicht thay drank out all the staill aill in Old Abirdene, and leivit vpone wort thairefter 16.. Adv. MS 22. 2. 11.
A resait for children of tuo ȝeris of aige for a pain in the belye … Ane chopine of stell eallb. a1500 King Hart 766.
This drink wes sweit ȝe fand in Venus tun Sone eftir this it salbe staill and soure
