ale stake

English

Noun

ale stake (plural ale stakes)

1. Alternative form of alestake
   • 1900 March 17, Janette Hill Knox, “Some Anglo-Saxon Drinking Customs”, in The Epworth Herald, volume 10, number 42, page 3:

     The old English proverb, “Good wine needs no brush,” grew out of this custom of hanging a bush to the ale stake.

   • 1994, Peter Haydon, The English pub: a history, page 23:

     It was the custom for brewsters and brewers to display an ale stake in front of their premises when there was ale for sale.

   • 1995, Roger Protz, The Ale Trail, page 20:

     When a new brew was ready they would place an 'ale stake', a long pole covered in evergreens, through a window to attract customers.

Anagrams

• Eastlake