Stake
Stake (stāk) , noun
[Anglo-Saxon staca, from the root of English stick; akin to OFries. & LG. stake, Dutch staak, Swedish stake, Danish stage. See Stick, transitive verb, and compare Estacade, Stockade.]
1.
A piece of wood, usually long and slender, pointed at one end so as to be easily driven into the ground as a support or stay; as, a stake to support vines, fences, hedges, etc.
A sharpened stake strong Dryas found.
2.
A stick inserted upright in a loop, eye, or mortise, at the side or end of a cart, a flat car, or the like, to prevent goods from falling off.
3.
The piece of timber to which a martyr was affixed to be burned; hence, martyrdom by fire.
4.
A small anvil usually furnished with a tang to enter a hole in a bench top, -- used by tinsmiths, blacksmiths, etc., for light work, punching upon, etc.
5.
That which is laid down as a wager; that which is staked or hazarded; a pledge.
6.
(Mormon Ch.) A territorial division; -- called also stake of Zion.
Every city, or “stake,” including a chief town and surrounding towns, has its president, with two counselors; and this president has a high council of chosen men.
Collocations (1)
At stake , in danger; hazarded; pledged. I see my reputation is at stake.
Stake (stākd) , transitive verb
1.
To fasten, support, or defend with stakes; as, to stake vines or plants.
2.
To mark the limits of by stakes; -- with out; as, to stake out land; to stake out a new road.
3.
To put at hazard upon the issue of competition, or upon a future contingency; to wager; to pledge.
I'll stake yon lamb, that near the fountain plays.
4.
To pierce or wound with a stake. — Spectator