stump

stump [stump]

n.

[ME stumpfe, prob. < or akin to MLowG stump < IE * stomb- < base * steb(h)- > STAMP, STAFF¹]

1. the lower end of a tree or plant remaining in the ground after most of the stem or trunk has been cut off

2. anything like a stump; specif.,

a) the part of a limb or tooth left after the rest has been cut off, broken off, etc.

b) the part of anything left after the main part is gone; butt; stub [the stump of a pencil ]

☆ 3. [from earlier use of tree stumps as speakers' platforms] the place where a political speech is made; political rostrum: a figurative usage

4.

a) the sound of a heavy, clumsy, tramping step

b) such a step

5. a pointed roll of leather or paper used for shading drawings in charcoal, pencil, crayon, pastel, etc.

6. [pl.] Slang the legs

7. Cricket any of the three upright sticks of a wicket

vt.

1. to reduce to a stump; lop

2. to remove stumps from (land)

☆ 3. to travel over (a district), making political speeches; canvass

4. to tone down or soften with a STUMP (sense 5)

5. Informal to stub (one's toes, etc.)

☆ 6. Informal to puzzle, perplex, or baffle

7. Cricket to put (a batsman) out by striking a bail from the wicket with the ball while the batsman is out of his or her ground: said of the wicketkeeper

vi.

1. to walk with a heavy, clumsy, thumping step, as with a wooden leg

☆ 2. to travel about, making political speeches

——————

☆ up a stump

Informal unable to act, think, answer, etc.; in a dilemma; perplexed

stumper

n.