Āle, n.

n. [A-S. eale, eala, ealu, eals, ealôth, ealath, aloth, from alan, to nourish, Lat. alere; Icel., Sw., & Dan. ol. Cf. Ir. ol, drink, drinking, from olaim, drink.]

1. A liquor made from an infusion of malt by fermentation. It differs from beer in having a smaller proportion of hops, and hence being sweeter, and of a lighter color.
2. A festival in English country places, so called from the liquor drank. “At wakes and ales.” B. Jonson. “At ember eves and holy ales.” Shak.