Ale \Ale\ ([=a]l), n. [AS. ealu, akin to Icel., Sw., and Dan. ["o]l, Lith. alus a kind of beer, OSlav. ol[u^] beer. Cf. Ir. ol drink, drinking.]

1. An intoxicating liquor made from an infusion of malt by fermentation and the addition of a bitter, usually hops.

Note: The word ale, in England and the United States, usually designates a heavier kind of fermented liquor, and the word beer a lighter kind. The word beer is also in common use as the generic name for all malt liquors.

2. A festival in English country places, so called from the liquor drunk. ``At wakes and ales.'' --B. Jonson.``On ember eves and holy ales.'' --Shak.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Beer \Beer\, n. [OE. beor, ber, AS. be['o]r; akin to Fries. biar, Icel. bj?rr, OHG. bior, D. & G. bier, and possibly E. brew. [root]93, See Brew.]

1. A fermented liquor made from any malted grain, but commonly from barley malt, with hops or some other substance to impart a bitter flavor.

Note: Beer has different names, as small beer, ale, porter, brown stout, lager beer, according to its strength, or other qualities. See Ale.

2. A fermented extract of the roots and other parts of various plants, as spruce, ginger, sassafras, etc.

Small beer, weak beer; (fig.) insignificant matters. ``To suckle fools, and chronicle small beer.'' --Shak.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)