Black Stump

American  

noun

Australian.

1. an imaginary spot marking the supposed limits of civilization.

   beyond the Black Stump.

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black stump British  

noun

1. an imaginary marker of the extent of civilization (esp in the phrase beyond the black stump )

2. a long way off

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Etymology

Origin of Black Stump

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

We mounted then, and it looked as if we were all matched for a race to the Black Stump.

From Robbery under Arms; a story of life and adventure in the bush and in the Australian goldfields by Boldrewood, Rolf

Half-an-hour before sundown we rode up to the Black Stump.

From Robbery under Arms; a story of life and adventure in the bush and in the Australian goldfields by Boldrewood, Rolf