PURPOSE: The titled composition, containing a specific amount of a polyhydric alcohol compound in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and capable of reapplying with almost no change in peeling strength nor paste staining on the application surface, e.g. a board material.

CONSTITUTION: An adhesive composition containing 100pts.wt. polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), preferably having 800W2,000 average polymerization degree and 70W 90mol% saponification degree, 50W300pts.wt., preferably 100W250pts.wt. polyhydric alcohol compound, preferably having improved water retaining property and water absorbing property and improved compatibility with PVA such as ethylene glycol, (di)glycerol or polyoxyethylene glycol.