grubstake

[gruhb-steyk] /ˈgrʌbˌsteɪk/
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), grubstaked, grubstaking.
3.
to furnish with a grubstake:
I grubstaked him to two mules and supplies enough for five months.
Origin
1860-65, Americanism; grub + stake2
Related forms
grubstaker, noun
Examples from the web for grubstake
  • River users usually portaged even the mildest rapids rather than risk losing a whole year's grubstake.
British Dictionary definitions for grubstake

grubstake

/ˈɡrʌbˌsteɪk/
noun
1.
(US & Canadian, informal) supplies provided for a prospector on the condition that the donor has a stake in any finds
verb (transitive)
2.
(US, informal) to furnish with such supplies
3.
(mainly US & Canadian) to supply (a person) with a stake in a gambling game
Derived Forms
grubstaker, noun
Word Origin and History for grubstake
n.

"material, provisions, etc. supplied to an enterprise (originally a prospector) in return for a share in the profits," by 1876, American English, from grub + stake (v.).

Slang definitions & phrases for grubstake

grubstake

noun

The money needed for a new venture, new start, etc: Nobody knows how much he gave away in grubstakes (1863+)