Way-

Pat - the meaning of the word according to the explanatory dictionary of Ozhegov and Efremova.

Ozhegov: “stalemate - in technology: lack of voltage in the network, electrical circuit” Efremov: “stalemate I - a chess piece that has not been beaten by anyone in a chess or checkers game”

In the first definition, stalemate is considered as a technique. concept (lack of electricity). And in the second meaning, stalemate is considered exclusively in the game of chess/checkers. Both explanations are simplified