stake \stake\ st=ak, 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
see also:
stick estacade stockade stake of zion at stake