stump etymology

Etymology

The word "stump" has Germanic origins. It derives from the Old English word "stump," which meant "a short, thick piece of wood" or "the remaining part of a tree trunk after chopping."

Meaning

The primary meaning of "stump" refers to the remaining part of a tree trunk that remains after the tree has been cut or fallen. It can also denote a short, thick piece of wood or a blocky protrusion.

Origin

The Old English word "stump" is believed to have evolved from the Proto-Germanic root "stumpan," meaning "to cut off." This root is also shared by the Old Norse word "stumpr," the Old Saxon word "stump," and the Dutch word "stomp."

Additional Meanings

In addition to its primary meaning, "stump" has also acquired several figurative and idiomatic uses:

  • To be stumped: To be puzzled or unable to solve a problem.
  • To stump: To travel extensively, especially for political purposes.
  • A stump speech: A speech delivered by a candidate during a political campaign.
  • To stump out: To extinguish or put out something, such as a fire or cigarette.

stump relate terms

  • staff

    Etymology The word staff comes from the Old English word stæf which meant a stick

  • stepping

    Etymology The word stepping is derived from the Old English word steppan meaning to

  • stub

    Etymology The word stub has Proto Indo European roots Proto Indo European PIE st

  • stub

    Etymology The word stub has Proto Indo European roots Proto Indo European PIE st

  • stumble

    Etymology The word stumble comes from the Middle English word stomblen which is tho

  • stunt

    Etymology The word stunt originated in the early 17th century deriving from the Middl

  • stamp

    Etymology The word stamp comes from the Middle English word stampen which means to

  • scraggy

    Etymology The word scraggy is derived from the Middle English word scragge meaning

  • snag

    Etymology Late Middle English from Middle Dutch snagghen to nibble snap probably

  • stock

    Etymology The word stock has several origins Old English stocc trunk of a tree

  • lump

    Etymology The word lump is derived from the Middle English word lumpe which in tur

  • gravel

    Etymology Middle English gravele gravil 13th century Old French gravele gravel 1

  • tooth

    Etymology The word tooth has an Indo European origin It is derived from the Proto Indo