'To take the stump' definitions:

Definition of 'To take the stump'

From: GCIDE

Stump \Stump\, n. [OE. stumpe, stompe; akin to D. stomp, G. stumpf, Icel. stumpr, Dan. & Sw. stump, and perhaps also to E. stamp.]
1. The part of a tree or plant remaining in the earth after the stem or trunk is cut off; the stub. [1913 Webster]
2. The part of a limb or other body remaining after a part is amputated or destroyed; a fixed or rooted remnant; a stub; as, the stump of a leg, a finger, a tooth, or a broom. [1913 Webster]
3. pl. The legs; as, to stir one's stumps. [Slang] [1913 Webster]
4. (Cricket) One of the three pointed rods stuck in the ground to form a wicket and support the bails. [1913 Webster]
5. A short, thick roll of leather or paper, cut to a point, or any similar implement, used to rub down the lines of a crayon or pencil drawing, in shading it, or for shading drawings by producing tints and gradations from crayon, etc., in powder. [1913 Webster]
6. A pin in a tumbler lock which forms an obstruction to throwing the bolt, except when the gates of the tumblers are properly arranged, as by the key; a fence; also, a pin or projection in a lock to form a guide for a movable piece. [1913 Webster]
Leg stump (Cricket), the stump nearest to the batsman.
Off stump (Cricket), the stump farthest from the batsman.
Stump tracery (Arch.), a term used to describe late German Gothic tracery, in which the molded bar seems to pass through itself in its convolutions, and is then cut off short, so that a section of the molding is seen at the end of each similar stump.
To go on the stump, or To take the stump, to engage in making public addresses for electioneering purposes; -- a phrase derived from the practice of using a stump for a speaker's platform in newly-settled districts. Hence also the phrases stump orator, stump speaker, stump speech, stump oratory, etc. [Colloq. U.S.]
on the stump campaigning for public office; running for election to office. [1913 Webster +PJC]