grubstake

[ gruhb-steyk ]

noun

1. provisions, gear, etc., furnished to a prospector on condition of participating in the profits of any discoveries.
2. money or other assistance furnished at a time of need or of starting an enterprise.

verb (used with object)

, grub·staked, grub·stak·ing.

1. to furnish with a grubstake:

   I grubstaked him to two mules and supplies enough for five months.

grubstake

/ ˈɡrʌbˌsteɪk /

noun

1. informal.
   supplies provided for a prospector on the condition that the donor has a stake in any finds

verb

1. informal.
   to furnish with such supplies
2. to supply (a person) with a stake in a gambling game

Derived Forms

• ˈgrubˌstaker, noun

Other Words From

• grubstaker noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of grubstake¹

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65; grub + stake ²

Example Sentences

The others would bring enough for a winter grubstake, and would prolong their freedom and their independence just that much.

From Project Gutenberg

And the caballos need a grubstake for the winter worse than we do, because they can't eat meat.

From Project Gutenberg

On the strength of that I doubles my grubstake, and he no sooner gets his hands on the two sawbucks than he starts for the street.

From Project Gutenberg

Half an hour afterward he came to the house with his parfleches, and asked me to put him up a couple of weeks' grubstake.

From Project Gutenberg

But that project demanded a substantial grubstake, and other matters of moment were taking his attention at the time.

From Project Gutenberg