Stake , n. (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.
Stake , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Staked (?);
p. pr. & vb. n.
Staking.]
1. To fasten, support, or defend with stakes; as, to stake vines or plants.
2. To mark the
limits of by stakes; -- with out; as, to stake out land; to stake out a
new road.
3. 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.
Stake (?), 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.
A sharpened stake strong Dryas found.
Dryden. 2. A stick inserted upright in a
lop, 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.
Hear it pronounced