- At stake
- Stake Stake (st[=a]k), n. [AS. staca, from the root of E.
stick; akin to OFries. & LG. stake, D. staak, Sw. stake, Dan.
stage. See {Stick}, v. t., and cf. {Estacade}, {Stockade}.]
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.
[1913 Webster]
A sharpened stake strong Dryas found. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
3. The piece of timber to which a martyr was affixed to be burned; hence, martyrdom by fire. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
5. That which is laid down as a wager; that which is staked or hazarded; a pledge. [1913 Webster]
6. (Mormon Ch.) A territorial division; -- called also {stake of Zion}.
Every city, or ``stake,'' including a chief town and surrounding towns, has its president, with two counselors; and this president has a high council of chosen men. --Schaff-Herzog Encyc. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
{At stake}, in danger; hazarded; pledged. ``I see my reputation is at stake.'' --Shak. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
