Antes

an·te  (nt)

n.

1. Games The stake that each poker player must put into the pool before receiving a hand or before receiving new cards. See Synonyms at bet.

2. A price to be paid, especially as one's share; cost: "Whether they could actually turn back Soviet policy depended on many factors that Moscow might yet choose to test by upping the ante" (Foreign Affairs).

v. an·ted or an·teed, an·te·ing, an·tes

v.tr.

1. Games To put (one's stake) into the pool in poker.

2. To pay: Let's ante up the bill.

v.intr.

1. Games To put one's stake into the pool in poker: Don't look at your cards until everyone has anted.

2. To pay up.

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[From Latin, before; see ant- in Indo-European roots.]