GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found one definition

1.       
   Ale (āl), n. [AS. ealu, akin to Icel., Sw., and Dan. öl, Lith. alus a kind of beer, OSlav. olŭ beer. Cf. Ir. ol drink, drinking.]
   1. An intoxicating liquor made from an infusion of malt by fermentation and the addition of a bitter, usually hops.
   
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   ☞ The word ale, in England and the United States, usually designates a heavier kind of fermented liquor, and the word beer a lighter kind. The word beer is also in common use as the generic name for all malt liquors.
   
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   2. A festival in English country places, so called from the liquor drunk.   “At wakes and ales.” B. Jonson.“On ember eves and holy ales.” Shak.
   
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