Emily Dickinson Lexicon

holiday (-s), n. [OE háligdæg, holy day.] (webplay: celebrate, day, gaiety, joy, solemnities).

1. Festival to celebrate a special religious event.
2. Day set apart for commemorating an important event in the history of a nation.
3. Day of joy, gaiety, and celebration; [fig.] joy; elation; happiness .
4. [Fig.] game; sport; activity like one would engage in on a holiday.
5. [Fig.] freedom; independence.