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.). 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.
[ ME stompe f. MDu. stomp, OHG stumpf ]