Stale"mate` (?), n. (Chess) The position of the king when he can not
move without being placed on check and there is no other piece which
can be moved.
Stale"mate`, v. t. (Chess) To subject to a stalemate; hence, to bring
to a stand.
Stale"ness, n. The quality or state of being stale.
Stalk (?), n. [OE. stalke, fr. AS. stæl, stel, a stalk. See Stale a
handle, Stall.] 1. (Bot.) (a) The stem or main axis of a plant; as, a
stalk of wheat, rye, or oats; the stalks of maize or hemp. (b) The
petiole, pedicel, or peduncle, of a plant.
2. That which resembes the stalk of a plant, as the stem of a quill.
Grew.
3. (Arch.) An ornament in the Corinthian capital resembling the stalk
of a plant, from which the volutes and helices spring.