ETYM Old Eng. stobil, stoble, Old Fren. estouble, estuble, French étuele, Late Lat. stupla, stupula, Latin stipula stubble, stalk; cf. Dutch and German stopped, Old High Germ. stupfila. Related to Stipule.
1. The stumps of stalks (wheat, corn, etc.), left in the ground; the part of the stalk left by the scythe or sickle.
2. Any short stalks or bristly hairs.