v. & n.
v. 1 intr. play games of chance for money, esp. for high stakes. 2 tr. a bet (a sum of money) in gambling. b (often foll. by away) lose (assets) by gambling. 3 intr. take great risks in the hope of substantial gain. 4 intr. (foll. by on) act in the hope or expectation of (gambled on fine weather).
n. 1 a risky undertaking or attempt. 2 a spell of gambling. gambler n.
[ obs. gamel to sport, gamene GAME(1) ]