online medical dictionary | definition of 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.

(01 Mar 1998)