STAKES

A piece of wood or other material, usually long and slender, pointed at one end so as to be easily driven into the ground as a marker or a support or stay.

"We have surveyor's stakes at all four corners of this field, to mark exactly its borders."

A piece of wood driven in the ground, placed in the middle of the court, that is used as the finishing point after scoring 12 hoops in croquet.

A stick inserted upright in a lop, eye, or mortise, at the side or end of a cart, flat car, flatbed trailer, or the like, to prevent goods from falling off.

To fasten, support, defend, or delineate with stakes.

"to stake vines or plants"

To pierce or wound with a stake.

To put at risk upon success in competition, or upon a future contingency.

The money wagered in gambling.

Risks.