n. 1.(law) a right or legal share of something 2.a pole or stake set up to mark something (as the start or end of a race track) 3.instrument of execution consisting of a vertical post that a victim is tied to for burning 4.the money risked on a gamble stake v. 1.put at risk 2.place a bet on 3.mark with a stake 4.tie or fasten to a stake 5.kill by piercing with a spear or sharp pole