On 7/6/2011 4:24 AM, Mike the Elder wrote:
>
> die(2) - noun
>
> 1  singular form of dice
>
> 2 (plural dies)a device for cutting or moulding metal into a particular
> shape an engraved device for stamping a design on coins or medals.
>
> 3 Architecture - the cubical part of a pedestal between the base
> and the cornice; a dado or plinth.
>
Of course, there is another complication. You can "cast" a "die", with 
the intent of molding metal into a shape. The result becomes a "fixed" 
form, which doesn't later change. The result is the same as rolling a 
die, and being unable to change the number once it comes to a stop (in 
principle). One tends to suspect that one or the other definition arose 
as an analog to the other, so as to express the condition, either of a 
bet, once played, or a mold, once formed and fixed.

In either case, #1 and #2 are interchangeable, within the context of the 
phrase being used.

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