n. & v.
--n.
1. the projecting remnant of a cut or fallen tree.
2 the similar remnant of anything else (e.g. a branch or limb) cut off or worn down.
3 Cricket each of the three uprights of a wicket.
4 (in pl.) joc. the legs.
5 the stump of a tree, or other place, used by an orator to address a meeting.
6 a cylinder of rolled paper or other material with conical ends for softening pencil-marks and other uses in drawing.
--v.
1. tr. (of a question etc.) be too hard for; puzzle.
2 tr. (as stumped adj.) at a loss; baffled.
3 tr. Cricket (esp. of a wicket-keeper) put (a batsman) out by touching the stumps with the ball while the batsman is out of the crease.
4 intr. walk stiffly or noisily as on a wooden leg.
5 tr. (also absol.) US traverse (a district) making political speeches.
6 tr. use a stump on (a drawing, line, etc.).
Phrases and idioms:
on the stump colloq. engaged in political speech-making or agitation. stump up Brit. colloq. pay or produce (the money required). up a stump US in difficulties.
Etymology: ME stompe f. MDu. stomp, OHG stumpf