[stake] n [ME, fr. OE staca; akin to MLG stake stake and perh. to L tignum beam] (bef. 12c) 1: a pointed piece of wood or other material driven or to be driven into the ground as a marker or support
2. a: a post to which a person is bound for execution by burning b: execution by burning at a stake 3 a: something that is staked for gain or loss b: the prize in a contest c: an interest or share in an undertaking (as a commercial venture)
4: a Mormon territorial jurisdiction comprising a group of wards
5: an upright stick at the side or end of a vehicle to retain the load
6: grubstake -- at stake : at issue: in jeopardy
[2]stake vt staked ; stak.ing (14c) 1: to mark the limits of by or as if by stakes
2: to tether to a stake
3: bet, wager
4: to fasten up or support (as plants) with stakes
5: to back financially
6: grubstake -- stake a claim : to assert a title or right to something by or as if by placing stakes to satisfy a legal requirement