Definition of wager

< wage earner

wage scale >

wa·ger    (wjr) KEY 

NOUN:

1. 1. An agreement under which each bettor pledges a certain amount to the other depending on the outcome of an unsettled matter.
   2. A matter bet on; a gamble.
2. Something staked on an uncertain outcome; a bet. See Synonyms at bet.
3. Archaic A pledge of personal combat to resolve an issue or case.

VERB:
wa·gered, wa·ger·ing, wa·gers
VERB:
tr.

To risk or stake (an amount or a possession) on an uncertain outcome; bet.

VERB:
intr.

To make a bet.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, from Anglo-Norman wageure, from Old North French wagier, to pledge, from wage, pledge ; see wage

OTHER FORMS:
wager·er(Noun)