Emily Dickinson Lexicon

habit, n. [OFr < L. habitus.] (webplay: children, custom, year).

1. Demeanor; expression; examination; countenance.
2. Ordinary occurrence; repeated experience; regular repetition; [fig.] witnessing death frequently; [word play] tunic; grave clothes; dress worn by a nun.
3. Role; trait; quality; [word play] clothing; crown of laurel for a prize-winning poet; [fig.] fragrant flower.
4. Appearance; aspect; [word play] custom; culture; comfortable convention.
5. Phrase. “In the habit of”: accustomed to.