Definitions for: Vestige


[n] a clue that something has been present; "there wasn't a trace of evidence for the claim"



Webster (1913) Definition: Ves"tige, n. (Biol.)
A small, degenerate, or imperfectly developed part or organ
which has been more fully developed in some past generation.


Ves"tige, n. [F., from L. vestigium footprint, trace,
sign; the last part (-stigium) is probably akin to E. sty, v.
i. Cf. Investigate.]
The mark of the foot left on the earth; a track or footstep;
a trace; a sign; hence, a faint mark or visible sign left by
something which is lost, or has perished, or is no longer
present; remains; as, the vestiges of ancient magnificence in
Palmyra; vestiges of former population.

What vestiges of liberty or property have they left?
--Burke.

Ridicule has followed the vestiges of Truth, but never
usurped her place. --Landor.

Syn: Trace; mark; sign; token.

Usage: Vestige, Trace. These words agree in marking some
indications of the past, but differ to some extent in
their use and application. Vestige is used chiefly in
a figurative sense, for the remains something long
passed away; as, the vestiges of ancient times;
vestiges of the creation. A trace is literally
something drawn out in a line, and may be used in this
its primary sense, or figuratively, to denote a sign
or evidence left by something that has passed by, or
ceased to exist. Vestige usually supposes some
definite object of the past to be left behind; while a
trace may be a mere indication that something has been
present or is present; as, traces of former
population; a trace of poison in a given substance.

Synonyms: shadow, trace

See Also: clew, clue, cue

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