The stake played for in certain games of
cards, billiards, etc.; an aggregated stake to which each player has
contributed a snare; also, the receptacle for the stakes.
A game at billiards, in which each of the
players stakes a certain sum, the winner taking the whole; also, in
public billiard rooms, a game in which the loser pays the entrance fee
for all who engage in the game; a game of skill in pocketing the balls
on a pool table.
In rifle shooting, a contest in which each
competitor pays a certain sum for every shot he makes, the net
proceeds being divided among the winners.
Any gambling or commercial venture in which
several persons join.
A combination of persons contributing money
to be used for the purpose of increasing or depressing the market
price of stocks, grain, or other commodities; also, the aggregate of
the sums so contributed; as, the pool took all the wheat
offered below the limit; he put $10,000 into the
pool.
A mutual arrangement
between competing lines, by which the receipts of all are aggregated,
and then distributed pro rata according to agreement.
An aggregation of properties
or rights, belonging to different people in a community, in a common
fund, to be charged with common liabilities.
In celebration of Noah Webster's Birthday (October 16, 2009), we have prepared an updated website. 
l; akin
to LG. pool, pohl, D. poel, G. pfuhl; cf.
Icel. pollr, also W. pwll, Gael. poll.]