Definition of rump

The origin of the word "rump" can be traced back to Middle English, a stage of the English language that was spoken and written during the 12th to 15th centuries. The Middle English word "rumpe" meant "a backside, buttocks." This word likely evolved from the Old English word "rumpan," which had a similar meaning. The exact origin of this Old English word is unknown, but some linguists believe it could be a combination of the Old English words "hrūm" (meaning "hump" or "morass") and "epan" (meaning "that one turns over"). The word "rump" has also been used figuratively to refer to a remaining portion of something that has been cut off or eliminated. For example, "a rump parliament" refers to a legislative body that has lost most of its powers. In modern English, the word "rump" is also used to refer to the portion of meat that comes from the rear end of an animal, particularly a beef or veal hindquarter. This usage of the word "rump" is a direct descendant of its original meaning, as the hindquarter of an animal does, of course, contain its rear end. Regardless of its many uses, "rump" is a word that will undoubtedly continue to be a part of the English language due to its long and proven history in English vocabulary.