'ale-taster' originates from Middle English, specifically the words 'ale' and 'taster', where 'ale' referred to a type of beer and 'taster' meant someone who samples or tests.

'ale-taster' changed from the Middle English term 'aletaster' and eventually became the modern English word 'ale-taster'.

Initially, it meant 'an official who tastes ale to ensure quality', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.