stump (st mp)n. 1. The part of a tree trunk left protruding from the ground after the tree has fallen or has been felled. 2. A part, as of a branch, limb, or tooth, remaining after the main part has been cut away, broken off, or worn down. 3. a. stumps Informal The legs. b. An artificial leg. 4. A short, thickset person. 5. A heavy footfall. 6. A place or an occasion used for political or campaign oratory: candidates out on the stump. 7. A short, pointed roll of leather or paper or wad of rubber for rubbing on a charcoal or pencil drawing to shade or soften it. 8. Sports Any of the three upright sticks in a cricket wicket. v. stumped, stump·ing, stumps v.tr. 1. To reduce to a stump. 2. To clear stumps from: stump a field. 3. To stub (a toe or foot). 4. To walk over heavily or clumsily. 5. To traverse (a district or region) making political speeches. 6. To shade (a drawing) with a stump. 7. To challenge (someone); dare. 8. To cause to be at a loss; baffle: stumped the teacher with a question. v.intr. 1. To walk heavily or clumsily. 2. To go about making political speeches. [Middle English stumpe, possibly from Middle Low German stump.] stump  er n.stump i·ness n.stump y adj. |
stumper - a particularly difficult or baffling question or problemWant to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content.
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