[stub.ble] n, often attrib [ME stuble, fr. OF estuble, fr. L stupula stalk, straw, alter. of stipula--more at stipule] (14c) 1: the basal part of herbaceous plants and esp. cereal grasses remaining attached to the soil after harvest
2: a rough surface or growth resembling stubble; esp: a short growth of beard -- stub.bled adj -- stub.bly adj