DictionarypaleFence stake
noun

pale

A pointed stake used in a fence.

A loose pale leans outward from the old wooden fence.

Etymology

The Latin word names a stake. English preserves that concrete meaning for an upright pointed piece used to form a fence or enclosure.

More examples

  • She replaces two broken pales along the garden fence.
  • Each pale has a pointed top to discourage climbing.
  • He nails the new pale to the fence rails.

Forms

pale · pales

paling noun — A fence made of upright wooden stakes.

Similar words

picket
A narrow upright fence board, often with a pointed top.
stake
A pointed stick or post, not necessarily used in fencing.
post
Usually a heavier upright support rather than an individual fence slat.