Definition of stump up

The phrase "stump up" has a long and intriguing history, with origins that date back to the 16th century. Back then, the word "stump" referred not to a chopped-down tree but rather to a tax or levy, which was required to be paid by the local communities to the ruling authorities. The term "stump" was likely derived from the Old English word "stānan," meaning "to stand" or "confirm," which in turn came from the Proto-Germanic word "staubō," meaning "to pledge or vow." In the context of taxation, "stump" began to be used as a metaphor for the physical action of chopping down trees. This practice was often required as a form of payment, hence the use of "stump" to refer to the fee itself. The idea was that the locals would "stump up" the required sum of money or resources, just as they would chop down a tree and present it to the authorities as a form of payment. Over time, the meaning of "stump" in this context evolved, and by the 18th century, it had become a slang term for paying one's debts or obligations. Today, the expression "stump up" is still used in British English to mean "to pay or provide something required or owing." Its unique history reflects both the rich linguistic heritage of the English language and the complex relationship between taxation, debt, and commerce throughout history.