Hale has 10 different meanings across 4 categories:
Noun · Verb · Adjective · Proper Noun
a soldier of the American Revolution who was hanged as a spy by the British; his last words were supposed to have been `I only regret that I have but one life to give for my country' (1755-1776)
"The historical figure Hale is best known for his final patriotic statement while being executed as a spy during the American Revolution."
United States astronomer who discovered that sunspots are associated with strong magnetic fields (1868-1938)
"The solar cycle is studied by researchers like George Hale, the American astronomer who proved that sunspots possess intense magnetic fields."
prolific United States writer (1822-1909)
"The author Hale wrote dozens of popular novels during his long career."
Health, welfare.
"The community gathered to offer prayers for the hale and well-being of all who had lost their homes in the storm."
To drag or pull, especially forcibly.
"The strong wind haled the loose branch across the yard and pinned it against the fence."
In plain English: To hale someone means to pull them forcefully, often by grabbing their arm and dragging them somewhere against their will.
"The strong wind hales heavy clouds across the sky."
Sound, entire, healthy; robust, not impaired.
"The old oak tree stood hale and hearty against the stormy winds."
In plain English: Hale means being healthy and full of energy, especially as you get older.
"He is still very hale and hearty at eighty years old."
Usage: Use the adjective form to describe someone who is strong and free from illness, as in a hale elderly man. The verb form means to pull something forcefully, often against its will.
A topographic surname, from Old English​.
"The ancient map labeled the northern ridge with the topographic surname Hale to indicate its high elevation."
The word "hale" comes from the Northern Middle English form of "hole," which originally meant "healthy, safe, or whole." It traveled into modern usage retaining this sense of wholeness and good health rather than shifting to a new meaning.