Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Tamale \Ta*ma"le\, n. [Written also {tamal}, {tomale}.] [Amer.
   Sp. tamal, of Mex. origin.]
   A Mexican dish made of crushed maize mixed with minced meat,
   seasoned with red pepper, dipped in oil, and steamed.

Source : WordNet®

tamale
     n : corn and cornmeal dough stuffed with a meat mixture then
         wrapped in corn husks and steamed