Grubstake Meaning in English
word
Definition
Money, supplies, or other support given to someone (especially a miner or prospector) to help them start their work, with the hope of sharing in their future profits.
Usage & Nuances
Originally from the American gold rush era, "grubstake" is historical and rarely used outside mining/prospecting. You can use it as a noun or a verb ("to grubstake someone"). Generally informal and specialized.
Example Sentences
He gave his friend a grubstake to start digging for gold.
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The prospector needed a grubstake before heading west.
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She used her life savings as a grubstake for her first expedition.
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Back in the gold rush, a grubstake could mean the difference between striking it rich and going home broke.
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These days, people might call a business loan a modern grubstake.
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He managed to find someone willing to grubstake his risky adventure.
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