2. That for which one labors; meed; reward; stipulated payment for service performed; hire; pay; compensation; — at present generally used in the plural. See Wages. "My day's wage." Sir W. Scott. "At least I earned my wage." Thackeray. "Pay them a wage in advance." J. Morley. "The wages of virtue." Tennyson. By Tom Thumb, a fairy page, He sent it, and doth him engage, By promise of a mighty wage, It secretly to carry. Drayton. Our praises are our wages. Shak. Existing legislation on the subject of wages. Encyc. Brit.

Note: Wage is used adjectively and as the first part of compounds which are usually self-explaining; as, wage worker, or wage-worker; wage-earner, etc. Board wages. See under 1st Board.

Syn. — Hire; reward; stipend; salary; allowance; pay; compensation; remuneration; fruit.

WAGEL
Wag"el, n. (Zoöl.)

Defn: See Waggel.

WAGENBOOM
Wa"gen*boom`, n. Etym: [D., literally, wagon tree.] (Bot.)

Defn: A south African proteaceous tree (Protea grandiflora); also, its tough wood, used for making wagon wheels.

WAGER Wa"ger, n. Etym: [OE. wager, wajour, OF. wagiere, or wageure, E. gageure. See Wage, v. t.]

1. Something deposited, laid, or hazarded on the event of a contest or an unsettled question; a bet; a stake; a pledge. Besides these plates for horse races, the wagers may be as the persons please. Sir W. Temple. If any atheist can stake his soul for a wager against such an inexhaustible disproportion, let him never hereafter accuse others of credulity. Bentley.

2. (Law)