Stumpiness

stump  (stmp)

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.

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[Middle English stumpe, possibly from Middle Low German stump.]

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stumper n.

stumpi·ness n.

stumpy adj.