Main Entry: ²stake

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): staked; stak·ing

Date: 14th century

1 : to mark the limits of by or as if by stakes
2 : to tether to a stake
3 : bet, wager
4 : to fasten up or support (as plants) with stakes
5 : to back financially
6 : grubstake

— stake a claim : to assert a title or right to something by or as if by placing stakes usually to satisfy a legal requirement