alestake

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See also: ale-stake

English

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Etymology

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From ale +‎ stake.

Noun

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alestake (plural alestakes)

  1. (historical) A stake or pole serving as a sign at an alehouse or inn, often with a garland or "bush" attached.

Usage notes

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The alestake of medieval taverns was mounted horizontally from the wall of the building.[1] The term is not in current use. Modern aleposts can be set vertically in the ground or be attached horizontally to the pub and carry a painted sign rather than a garland.

Alternative forms

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Synonyms

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References

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  1. ^ Walter William Skeat, Chaucer's Works, notes on the prologue to the Cantebury Tales.

Anagrams

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Middle English

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Noun

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alestake (plural alestakes)

  1. alestake