Edit page | Page history | Printable version

Impale

1. To pierce with a pale; to put to death by fixing on a sharp stake. See empale. Then with what life remains, impaled, and left to writhe at leisure round the bloody stake. (Addison)

2. To inclose, as with pales or stakes; to surround. Impale him with your weapons round about. (Shak) Impenetrable, impaled with circling fire. (Milton)

3. To join, as two coats of arms on one shield, palewise; hence, to join in honorable mention. Ordered the admission of St. Patrick to the same to be matched and impaled with the blessed virgin in the honor thereof. (Fuller)

Origin: see empale.