~ 1
■ noun
1》 a strong post with a point at one end, driven into the ground to support a tree, form part of a fence, etc.
↘ historical a wooden post to which a person was tied before being burned alive as a punishment.
2》 a small anvil, typically with a projection for fitting into a socket on a bench.
3》 a long vertical rod used in basket-making.
4》 a territorial division of the Mormon Church.
■ verb
1》 support (a plant) with a ~.
2》 ( ~ something out ) mark an area with ~s so as to claim ownership.
↘defend a position or policy assertively.
3》 ( ~ someone/thing out ) informal keep a person or place under surveillance.
Phrases
pull up ~s N. Amer. move or go to live elsewhere.
~ a claim assert one's right to something.
Origin
OE staca , of W. Gmc origin; related to stick 2 .
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~ 2
■ noun
1》 a sum of money gambled on a risky game or venture.
2》 a share or interest in a business or situation.
3》 ( ~s ) prize money.
↘[in names ] a horse race in which the owners of the horses running contribute to the prize money.
4》 ( ~s ) a competitive situation: one step ahead in the fashion ~s.
■ verb
1》 gamble (money or something of value).
2》 N. Amer. informal give financial or other support to.
Phrases
at ~
1》 at risk.
2》 at issue or in question.
Origin
ME: perh. a specialized usage of ~ 1 , from the notion of an object being placed as a wager on a post or ~.