Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 2001 (DOST Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Stake, Stai(c)k, n.³ [e.m.E. stake (Palsgrave).] That which is hazarded; also, at (the) stake, at risk. Chiefly fig. The 1674 quot. may be a fig. usage of Stak(e n.¹ 2 b. — 1686 Peebles B. Rec. II 117.
[The] thesaurer, hes received … the last yeirs staikes of the plait and saidle … to hold compt for to the lieners … incaice thair sall not be a race —fig. 1637 Rutherford Lett. (1894) 401.
God keeping the stakes and moderating the play 1666-74 Fraser Polichron. 326.
The kings cause and interest is now weake and at stake 1674 Laing MSS 396.
I most cry out with my mother the church if in hazards and I believe if I should hold my peace the very stones should speak for the Gospell is now at the staick. We are also threatened not only [etc.]