STAKE
1 —none. 1 stout sharpened stick driven into the ground as a support, boundary mark, etc. 2 hist. A post to which a condemned person was tied to be burnt alive. B (prec. By the) such death as a punishment. —verb. (-king) 1 secure or support with a stake or stakes. 2 (foll. By off, out) mark off (an area) with stakes. 3 establish (a claim). ? stake out colloq. Place under surveillance. [old english]