01 n. 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 t…
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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.
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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.
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3.
The piece of timber to which a martyr was affixed to be burned; hence, martyrdom by fire.
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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.
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5.
That which is laid down as a wager; that which is staked or hazarded; a pledge.
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6.
A territorial division; -- called also stake of Zion.(Mormon Ch.) 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.
Phrases & compounds
At stake —
in danger; hazarded; pledged.