rump
UK[rʌmp]US[rʌmp]
n
The hind part of the body of a mammal or bird, especially the buttocks.
n
A small or unimportant remnant of something originally larger.
Etymology
The word 'rump' entered English from Old Norse, a North Germanic language, during the period of Scandinavian settlement in England. It is part of a family of Germanic words denoting the trunk or main part of a body, whether human or animal. Over time, its meaning in English specialized to refer specifically to the rear or hindmost part of the torso. The figurative sense of a remnant derives from the 17th century, drawing on the image of a body after the more important parts have been removed, leaving only the rear portion behind.
Analysis
This is a simplex word of Germanic origin. The modern English form is derived from a Scandinavian source (compare Old Norse rumpr) and is related to Middle Low German rump and Middle Dutch romp, all meaning the trunk or torso of a body.
Examples
The farmer selected the cattle based on the size of their rump.
After the party split, the rump of the organization struggled to remain relevant.
The bird's distinctive blue feathers were most vivid on its rump.