\Ves"tige\, n. (Biol.)
A small, degenerate, or imperfectly developed part or organ
which has been more fully developed in some past generation.

\Ves"tige\, 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?
                                               --Burke.
      Ridicule has followed the vestiges of Truth, but never
      usurped her place.                       --Landor.
Syn: Trace; mark; sign; token.
Usage: {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.