Definition of stake:
(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 to support vines, fences, hedges, etc; 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
"a sharpened stake strong Dryas found. --Dryden"
(v) :
to
fasten,
support, or
defend with stakes; as, to stake vines or plants; to pierce or wound with a stake
"I'll stake yon lamb, that near the fountain plays. --Pope."