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.
Derivatives:
gambler n.
Etymology: obs. gamel to sport, gamene GAME(1)