'stalemate' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'stalemate', where 'stale' meant 'stalemate' and 'mate' meant 'checkmate'.

'stalemate' changed from the Middle English word 'stalemate' and eventually became the modern English word 'stalemate'.

Initially, it meant 'a position in chess where no legal moves are possible', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a deadlock or impasse'.