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. [ 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 ]

n. (Zool.) The common American bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus); -- so called because one of its notes resembles the sound made in driving a stake into the mud. Called also meadow hen, and Indian hen. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Rope Making) A horizontal bar on a stake, used for supporting the yarns which are kept apart by pins in the bar. [ 1913 Webster ]