Ale Stake

ale stake. (eiyl' steik')

    In Old England, a branch, stick, or pole placed outside a house to indicate that ale had been freshly brewed there. The practice dates back to Saxon times when wayside taverns or ale houses erected on Roman roads were identified by means of a long pole. If wine was sold along with mead and ale, an ivy bush was hung atop the pole. In the fourteenth century the same bush or ivy plant was a sign for the ale conner and customers that a fresh batch was ready. In London, in 1375, a city ordinance prescribed that such poles should not extend higher than 7 feet. Syn: ale poel; ale post.