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.-the piece of timber to which a martyr was affixed to be burned; hence, martyrdom by fire.-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.-that which is laid down as a wager; that which is staked or hazarded; a pledge.-to fasten, support, or defend with stakes; as, to stake vines or plants.-to mark the limits of by stakes; -- with out; as, to stake out land; to stake out a new road.-to put at hazard upon the issue of competition, or upon a future contingency; to wager; to pledge.-to pierce or wound with a stake.