Grubstake is a noun that refers to money set aside for a time of assistance. It can also be used as a verb that means to provide assistance.

Our word of the day began life in the old west and — as today — was used in informal settings.

Here’s an example:

After all those years of working on the railroad, I had to have a grubstake set aside in case of a rainy day. But then as soon as I struck gold, I spent every cent of it, figuring I’d never have another rainy day in my life.