Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Stake
Stake
(stāk)
, Noun.
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 loop, 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
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Staked
(stākd)
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Staking
.] 1.
To fasten, support, or defend with stakes;
as, to
. stake
vines or plants2.
To mark the limits of by stakes; – with out;
as, to
. stake
out land; to stake
out a new road3.
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.
Webster 1828 Edition
Stake
STAKE
,Noun.
1.
A small piece of wood or timber, sharpened at one end and set in the ground, or prepared for setting, as a support to something. Thus stakes are used to support vines, to support fences, hedges and the like. A stake is not to be confounded with a post, which is a larger piece of timber.2.
A piece of long rough wood.A sharpend stake strong Dryas found.
3.
A palisade, or something resembling it.4.
The piece of timber to which a martyr is fastened when he is to be burnt. Hence, to perish at the stake, is to die a martyr, or to die in torment. Hence, 5.
Figuratively, martyrdom. The stake was prepared for those who were convicted of heresy.6.
That which is pledged and wagered; that which is set, thrown down or laid, to abide the issue of a contest, to be gained by victory or lost by defeat.7.
The state of being laid or pledged as a wager. His honor is at stake.8.
A small anvil to straighten cold word, or to cut and punch upon.STAKE
,Verb.
T.
1.
To fasten, support or defend with stakes; as, to stake vines or plants.2.
To mark the limits by stakes; with out; as, to stake out land; to stake out a new road, or the ground for a canal.3.
To wager; to pledge; to put at hazard upon the issue of competition, or upon a future contingency.Ill stake yon lamb that near the fountain plays.
4.
To point or sharpen stakes. [Not used in America.]5.
To pierce with a stake.