| stake | 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. Origin: Staked; Staking. 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." Origin: AS. Staca, from the root of E. Stick; akin to OFries. & LG. Stake, D. Staak, Sw. Stake, Dan. Stage. See Stick, and cf. Estacade, Stockade. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| stake-driver | <zoology> The common American bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus); so called because one of its notes resembles the sound made in driving a stake into the mud. Synonym: meadow hen, and Indian hen. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |