a. [f. WASTE v. + -ABLE.]
1. Liable to be wasted; subject to wastage. Also, in Law, said of things in respect of which a tenant may be chargeable with waste.
1436. Libel Eng. Policy, 362, in Pol. Poems (Rolls), II. 173. For moche of thys chaffare that is wastable Mighte be forborne for dere and dyssevable.
c. 1460. J. Russell, Bk. Nurture, 179, in Babees Bk. (1868), 129. For ale þat is newe is wastable with-owten dowt.
1611. Cotgr., Adustible,… burneable, wasteable.
a. 1625. Hobart, Reports (1650), 234. A Lessee … must neither take Timber or other things wastable.
1825. Bentham, Offic. Apt. Maximized Indications, Postscr. (1830), 4. After hearing, [from 4 to 6 years are] wasteable in reference to a Master.
† 2. Of a country: Desolate, waste. Obs.
c. 1450. Lovelich, Grail, xlviii. 306. Vpon a day as they forth wente, in a wastable Contre veramente, where that was scars of vyaunde.
