stump / stəmp/ • n. 1. the bottom part of a tree left projecting from the ground after most of the trunk has fallen or been cut down. ∎  the small projecting remnant of something that has been cut or broken off or worn away: the stump of an amputated arm.2. Cricket each of the three upright pieces of wood that form a wicket.3. Art a cylinder with conical ends made of rolled paper or other soft material, used for softening or blending marks made with a crayon or pencil.4. [as adj.] engaged in or involving political campaigning: he is an inspiring stump speaker.• v. [tr.] 1. (usu. be stumped) (of a question or problem) be too hard for; baffle: education chiefs were stumped by some of the exam questions. ∎  (be stumped) be at a loss; be unable to work out what to do or say: detectives are stumped for a reason for the attack.2. [intr.] walk stiffly and noisily: he stumped away on short thick legs.3. travel around (a district) making political speeches: there is no chance that he will be well enough to stump the country | [intr.] the two men had come to the city to stump for the presidential candidate. 4. use a stump on (a drawing, line, etc.).PHRASES: on the stump inf. engaged in political campaigning.up a stump inf. in a situation too difficult for one to manage.

stump1 part remaining of maimed limb, broken-off end XIV; portion of tree left in the ground after felling; part of a broken tooth left in the gum XV; stub, fag end XVI; short pillar XVII; (in cricket) XVIII. — MLG. stump(e), (M)Du. stomp = OHG., G. stumpf, sb. uses of corr. adjs.; of uncert. orig.

stump2 blunt instrument used for rubbing down hard lines. XVIII. prob. — F. estompe — Du. stomp, with support from prec.