Sweep"stakes` (?), n.
1.
A winning of all the stakes or prizes; a sweepstake.
2. sing. ∨ pl.
The whole money or other things staked at a horse race, a given sum being put up for each horse, all of which goes to the winner, or is divided among several, as may be previously agreed.
3.
A race for all the sums staked or prizes offered.
© Webster 1913.