Stake /(stāk)/

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.

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.
6. A territorial division; -- called also stake of Zion. (Mormon Ch.)

   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.

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.

4. To pierce or wound with a stake.