stake

stake [stāk]

n.

[ME < OE staca, akin to Frank * stakka: see STICK]

1. a length of wood or metal pointed at one end for driving into the ground, as for marking a boundary, supporting a plant, etc.

2.

a) the post to which a person was tied for execution by burning

b) execution by burning

3. a pole or post fitted upright into a socket, as at the edge of a railway flatcar, truck bed, etc. to help hold a load

4. [often pl.] something, esp. money, bet, as in a wager, game, or contest

5. [often pl.] a reward given a winner, as in a race; prize

6. [pl., with sing. v.] a race in which a prize is offered

7. a share or interest, as in property, a person, or a business venture

☆ 8. Mormon Ch. a geographical area made up of a number of wards

☆ 9. short for Informal GRUBSTAKE

vt.

staked, staking

☆ 1.

a) to mark the location or boundaries of with or as with stakes

b) to establish (a claim) in this way: often with out

2. to support (a plant, etc.) by tying to a stake

3. to hitch or tether to a stake

4. [infl. by MDu staken, to fix, place] to risk or hazard; gamble; bet

5. Informal to furnish with money or resources

☆ 6. short for Informal GRUBSTAKE

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at stake

being risked or hazarded; in danger of being lost, injured, etc.

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☆ pull up stakes

Informal to change one's place of residence, business, etc.

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stake out

1. to station (police officers, detectives, etc.) for surveillance of a suspected criminal, a place, etc.

2. to put (a suspected criminal, a place, etc.) under such surveillance

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stake up or stake in

to close up (or in) with a fence of stakes