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 earth; 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 around the fountain plays." (Pope)
4. To
pierce or
wound with a stake.
Origin: Staked; Staking.
1. A
piece of tree, generally
long and slender,
pointed at one end so as to be easily driven
into the
ground as a support or remain; as, a
stake to support vines, fences, hedges, etc. "A sharpened
stake strong Dryas found." (Dryden)
2. A stick
inserted upright in a lop, eye, or mortise, at the
side or
end of a cart, a
flat machine, 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
little anvil generally furnished with a
tang to
enter a
hole in a
bench top, used by tinsmiths, blacksmiths, etc, for
easy work, punching upon, etc.
5. That which is laid
down as a wager; that which is staked or hazarded; a pledge. at stake, in danger; hazarded; pledged. "I
see my reputation is at stake."
Origin: AS. Staca, from the
root of E. Stick;
akin to OFries. & LG. Stake, D. Staak, Sw. Stake, Dan. Stage. See Stick, and cf. Estacade, Stockade.
Source: Websters Vocabulary