Stake word meaning and definition

[noun] instrument of execution consisting of a vertical post that a victim is tied to for burning
[noun] a pole or stake set up to mark something (as the start or end of a race track); "a pair of posts marked the goal"; "the corner of the lot was indicated by a stake"
[noun] a right or legal share of something; a financial involvement with something; "they have interests all over the world"; "a stake in the company's future"
[noun] the money risked on a gamble
[verb] place a bet on; "Which horse are you backing?"; "I'm betting on the new horse"
[verb] kill by piercing with a spear or sharp pole; "the enemies were impaled and left to die"
[verb] mark with a stake; "stake out the path"
[verb] tie or fasten to a stake; "stake your goat"
[verb] put at risk; "I will stake my good reputation for this"

\Stake\, n. (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. --Schaff-Herzog Encyc.
\Stake\, n. [AS. staca, from the root of E. stick; akin to OFries. & LG. stake, D. staak, Sw. stake, Dan. stage. See {Stick}, v. t., and cf. {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. --Dryden. 2. A stick inserted upright in a lop, 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. {At stake}, in danger; hazarded; pledged. ``I see my reputation is at stake.'' --Shak.
\Stake\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Staked}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Staking}.] 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. --Pope. 4. To pierce or wound with a stake. --Spectator.

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