Emily Dickinson Lexicon

chapter, n. [OFr chapitre < L. caput, head.] (webplay: book).

Division of a book; [fig.] part of a whole.

character, n. [ME < Gk. χαρακτήρ, instrument for marking, distinctive mark or nature.]

Disposition; make-up; nature; combination of emotional, intellectual, and moral qualities that distinguishes an individual.

charcoal, n. [uncertain origin.]

The black material produced from the burning of wood; not decomposable by water or air; can endure for a long time.

charge, n. [Fr.] (webplay: bearers, entry, expression, solemnity).

1. Excitement; thrill; stir of energy within.
2. Dependant; ward; person who relies on another for support.
3. Rush; swift advance.

charge (-d), v. [OFr charge-r < L. carricare, to load < carr-us, car, wagon.] (webplay: cavalry, figures, musket, nation, pane, thick, transactions, trust).

1. Advance swiftly in attack, as in the military.
2. Bid; command; direct; enjoin; order; request earnestly.
3. Accuse; denunciate; make an accusation against.

charged, verbal adj. [see charge, v.] (webplay: figures).

charger (-s), n. [ME chargeour < AFr. chargeour, that which loads; or L. carricatorium, utensil for loading.]

Cavalry horse; [fig.] fast horse, connoting the idea of haste or speed. 1458/1498Time's wily Chargers will not wait / At any Gate but Woe's

chariot (-s, -'s), n. [OFr.] (webplay: borne).

Car pulled by two or more horses; vehicle used for transport, often used anciently in warfare.

charity, n. [OFr charité < L. catitat-em, dearness (high price), fondness, affection.]

1. Grace; kindness; love; the utmost form of love and goodness.
2. Alms; donation; help for the poor or less fortunate.

charm (-s), n. [ME < Fr. charme, charm < L. carmen, song, verse, oracular response, incantation.]

Appeal; attraction; bewitchment; captivation; enchantment; fascination; lure.