grub•stake
Pronunciation: (grub'stāk"), [key] — n., v., -staked, -stak•ing.
—n. - 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.
—v.t. - to furnish with a grubstake: I grubstaked him to two mules and supplies enough for five months.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.