Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Vestige

Vestige , noun

[French, from Latin vestigium footprint, trace, sign; the last part (-stigium) is probably akin to English sty, v. i. Compare Investigate.]

1.
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
2.
(Biology) A small, degenerate, or imperfectly developed part or organ which has been more fully developed in some past generation.