stele n 1: the usually cylindrical central vascular portion of the axis of a vascular plant 2: an ancient upright stone slab bearing markings [syn: {stele}, {stela}]
Stale \Stale\ (st[=a]l), n. [OE. stale, stele, AS. stael, stel; akin to LG. & D. steel, G. stiel; cf. L. stilus stake, stalk, stem, Gr. steleo`n a handle, and E. stall, stalk, n.] The stock or handle of anything; as, the stale of a rake. [Written also {steal}, {stele}, etc.] [1913 Webster] But seeing the arrow's stale without, and that the head did go No further than it might be seen. --Chapman. [1913 Webster]
Stele \Ste"le\ (st[=e]"l[=e]), n. [NL.] Same as {Stela}. [1913 Webster] One of these steles, containing the Greek version of the ordinance, has recently been discovered. --I. Taylor (The Alphabet). [1913 Webster]
Stele \Stele\ (st[=e]l), n. [See {Stale} a handle.] A stale, or handle; a stalk. [Obs.] --Chaucer. --Holland. [1913 Webster]