VESTIGE

trace, vestige, tincture, shadow

(noun) an indication that something has been present; “there wasn’t a trace of evidence for the claim”; “a tincture of condescension”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

vestige (plural vestiges)

The mark of the foot left on the earth.

Synonyms: trace, sign, track, footstep

(by extension) A faint mark or visible sign left by something which is lost, or has perished, or is no longer present.

Synonym: remains

(biology) A vestigial organ; a non-functional organ or body part that was once functional in an evolutionary ancestor.

Source: Wiktionary

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.]

Definition: 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.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition