grubstake

[ gruhb-steyk ]
/ ˈgrʌbˌsteɪk /

noun

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

verb (used with object), grub·staked, grub·stak·ing.

to furnish with a grubstake: I grubstaked him to two mules and supplies enough for five months.

Origin of grubstake

An Americanism dating back to 1860–65; grub + stake2

OTHER WORDS FROM grubstake

grub·stak·er, noun

Words nearby grubstake

British Dictionary definitions for grubstaker

grubstake
/ (ˈɡrʌbˌsteɪk) /

noun

US and Canadian informal supplies provided for a prospector on the condition that the donor has a stake in any finds

verb (tr)

US informal to furnish with such supplies
mainly US and Canadian to supply (a person) with a stake in a gambling game

Derived forms of grubstake

grubstaker, noun