Category:Vestige

Ves"tige, n. Etym: [f., from l. vestigium footprint, trace, sign; the Last part (-stigium) is probably akin to e. sty, v. i. Cf. Investigate.]

Defn: 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. -- 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.