Mud formed by the churning action of human or animal footfall on wet ground. Particularly common where traffic has been concentrated e.g. at a drinking place by a pond, around gateways and on paths.
Also used to refer to the path of mud trailed away from the source on boots or hooves.
Etymology
Uncertain Cf. Stipple. Or possibly related to stab “to penetrate”, “to hole”. See also Paunch.