'alestake' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'alestake', where 'ale' meant 'a type of beer' and 'stake' meant 'a post or pole'.

'alestake' changed from the Middle English word 'alestake' and has largely retained its form and meaning in modern English.

Initially, it meant 'a post indicating ale for sale', and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.