Meaning

• (often in the plural) A fundamental principle or skill, especially in a field of learning.

  "We'll be learning the rudiments of thermodynamics next week."

• (often in the plural) Something in an undeveloped form.

  "I have the rudiments of an escape plan."

• A body part that no longer has a function

• In percussion, one of a selection of basic drum patterns learned as an exercise.

Meaning

• To ground; to settle in first principles.