| 1. sign, mark, trace; remnant; undeveloped remains of a body part or an organ that was healthy and functional in a previous stage of development (Biology). vestigevestige , 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? ridicule has followed the vestiges of truth, but never usurped her place |