The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Stake \Stake\ (st[=a]k), 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.
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   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.
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   5. That which is laid down as a wager; that which is staked
      or hazarded; a pledge.
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   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]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Stake \Stake\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Staked (st[=a]kd); p. pr. &
   vb. n. Staking.]
   1. To fasten, support, or defend with stakes; as, to stake
      vines or plants.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To mark the limits of by stakes; -- with out; as, to stake
      out land; to stake out a new road.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. To put at hazard upon the issue of competition, or upon a
      future contingency; to wager; to pledge.
      [1913 Webster]

            I'll stake yon lamb, that near the fountain plays.
                                                  --Pope.
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   4. To pierce or wound with a stake. --Spectator.
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

stake
    n 1: (law) a right or legal share of something; a financial
         involvement with something; "they have interests all over
         the world"; "a stake in the company's future" [syn:
         interest, stake]
    2: a pole or stake set up to mark something (as the start or end
       of a race track); "a pair of posts marked the goal"; "the
       corner of the lot was indicated by a stake" [syn: post,
       stake]
    3: instrument of execution consisting of a vertical post that a
       victim is tied to for burning
    4: the money risked on a gamble [syn: stake, stakes, bet,
       wager]
    5: a strong wooden or metal post with a point at one end so it
       can be driven into the ground
    v 1: put at risk; "I will stake my good reputation for this"
         [syn: venture, hazard, adventure, stake,
         jeopardize]
    2: place a bet on; "Which horse are you backing?"; "I'm betting
       on the new horse" [syn: bet on, back, gage, stake,
       game, punt]
    3: mark with a stake; "stake out the path" [syn: stake,
       post]
    4: tie or fasten to a stake; "stake your goat"
    5: kill by piercing with a spear or sharp pole; "the enemies
       were impaled and left to die" [syn: impale, stake]