Sweep'stake` noun 1. A winning of all the stakes or prizes. Heylin. 2. A complete removal or carrying away; a clean sweep. [ Obsolete] Bp. Hacket. Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/webster/S/257
A sweepstake is a form of gambling in which those taking part pay money into a common fund which, after the deduction of expenses, is divided between those who have drawn certain numbered tickets. Found on http://www.probertencyclopaedia.com/browse/AS.HTM