pale2

 
Pronunciation: /peɪl/

noun

  • 1a wooden stake or post used with others to form a fence.
  • a conceptual boundary: bring these things back within the pale of decency
  • 2 historical an area within determined bounds, or subject to a particular jurisdiction.
  • (the Pale)another term for English Pale.
  • the areas of Russia to which Jewish residence was formerly restricted.
  • 3 Heraldry a broad vertical stripe down the middle of a shield.

Phrases

beyond the pale

outside the bounds of acceptable behaviour: the language my father used was beyond the pale

in pale

Heraldry arranged vertically.

per pale

Heraldry divided by a vertical line.

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French pal, from Latin palus 'stake'