stake
1. stake \'sta-k\ n [ME, fr. OE staca; akin to MLG stake stake, L tignum
beam] 1: a pointed piece of wood or other material driven or to be driven
into th e ground as a marker or support 2a: a post to which a person is
bound for execution by burning 2b: execution by burning at a stake 3a:
something that is staked for gain or loss 3b: the prize in a contest 3c:
an interest or share in a commercial venture 4: a Mormon territorial
jurisdiction comprising a group of words 5: an upright stick at the side
or end of a vehicle to retain the load 6: GRUBSTAKE : at issue : in
jeopardy - at stake
2. stake vt 1: to mark the limits of by stakes 2: to tether to a stake 3:
BET, HAZARD 4: to fasten up or support (as plants) with stakes 5: to back
financially 6: GRUBSTAKE