资料来源 : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Stale \Stale\, a. [Akin to stale urine, and to stall, n.;
   probably from Low German or Scandinavian. Cf. {Stale}, v. i.]
   1. Vapid or tasteless from age; having lost its life, spirit,
      and flavor, from being long kept; as, stale beer.

   2. Not new; not freshly made; as, stele bread.

   3. Having lost the life or graces of youth; worn out;
      decayed. ``A stale virgin.'' --Spectator.

   4. Worn out by use or familiarity; having lost its novelty
      and power of pleasing; trite; common. --Swift.

            Wit itself, if stale is less pleasing. --Grew.

            How weary, stale flat, and unprofitable Seem to me
            all the uses of this world!           --Shak.

   {Stale affidavit} (Law), an affidavit held above a year.
      --Craig.

   {Stale demand} (Law), a claim or demand which has not been
      pressed or demanded for a long time.