Stake

stak, n. A stick, pointed at one end so as be easily driven into the ground: a piece of wood timber set upright in the ground; esp., the piece timber to which a martyr was affixed while he was burning; martyrdom, esp. by fire; that which is laid down as a wager, — v. t. [staked (stakt), staking.] To fasten, support, or defend with stakes: to mark the limits by stakes; to put at hazard upon the i ue of competition, or upon a future contingency; wager. — At stake. In danger: hazarded; pledged.