remnant Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a small part or portion that remains after the main part no longer exists
    leftover.
  2. noun a piece of cloth that is left over after the rest has been used or sold
    oddment; remainder; end.

WordNet

Rem"nant adjective
Etymology
OF. remanant, p. pr. of remanoir, remaindre. See Remanent, Remain.
Definitions
  1. Remaining; yet left. R. "Because of the remnant dregs of his disease." Fuller.
    And quiet dedicate her remnant life To the just duties of an humble wife. Prior.
Rem"nant noun
Etymology
OF.remanant. See Remnant, a.
Definitions
  1. That which remains after a part is removed, destroyed, used up, performed, etc.; residue. Chaucer.
    The remnant that are left of the captivity. Neh. i. 3.
    The remnant of my tale is of a length To tire your patience. Dryden.
  2. A small portion; a slight trace; a fragment; a little bit; a scrap.
    Some odd quirks and remnants of wit. Shak.
  3. (Com.) An unsold end of piece goods, as cloth, ribbons, carpets, etc. Syn. -- Residue; rest; remains; remainder.

Webster 1913