\Ale\ ([=a]l), n. [AS. ealu, akin to Icel., Sw., and Dan.
["o]l, Lith. alus a kind of beer, OSlav. ol[u^] 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.
Note: 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.
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.