a fermented liquor, obtained from an infusion of malt; and differing only from beer in having a less proportion of hops. See Brewing.

Ale is thought to be the same kind of liquor with the cerevisia, zythum, and curmi of the ancients.

Medicated Ales, those wherein medicinal herbs have been infused, or put to ferment: Such are the cerevisia cephalica, cerevisia epileptica, &c.

Ale-berry, the popular name for ale that is boiled with bread and mace, sweetened, strained, and drunk hot.

Ale-connor, an officer in London who inspects the measures of public houses. They are four in number, and chosen by the common-ball of the city.

Ale-silver, a tax paid yearly to the lord-mayor, by all who sell ale within the city.

Ale-measure. See Measure.