grubstake
Etymology
From grub + stake.
grubstake means money, materials, tools, food etc. provided to a prospector in return for a share in future profits. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 87 out of 100.
Why “grubstake” is a great word
GRUBSTAKE — [Noun, Verb] Funds, provisions, or equipment advanced to a prospector or entrepreneur in return for a share of future profits. From grub ("food") + stake ("a financial interest or share"). First attested in American English around 1860–65. Unlike an investment—a clinical commitment of capital—or a loan—a fixed sum demanding repayment—a grubstake is a gamble on a person's grit, an advance of beans, bacon, and a burro against a dream of glittering quartz. It is the sack of flour handed over a counter, the worn pickaxe accepted with a nod, and the promise scribbled on a scrap—faith made tangible, converting mere survival into a chance at a future.
noun
- Money, materials, tools, food etc. provided to a prospector in return for a share in future profits.“I've been through hell. The other three are all at work and healthy, getting grub-stake to prospect up White River this winter.”
- An amount of money advanced to someone starting a business in return for a share of the future profits.
- Money, necessities stockpiled to sustain an effort for a period of time.“No one however should go to this country intending to mine without taking with him a year's supplies commonly known as a grub stake or its money equivalent about $1,000.”
verb
- To supply such funds to.“"Nobody grub-stakes me," was the answer. "I stake myself, and when I make a killing it's sure all mine. [...] "”