an amount of money or other help that someone gives to a new business in return for part of its profits

You didn't need an education to strike it rich in the oil fields - just a grubstake and plenty of luck. 你不需要接受教育就能在油田里发大财——只需要投些钱，再加上足够的运气。 。

to give money to someone to start a new business in return for part of its profits

If he grubstaked her she would be willing to go fifty-fifty on the book.