Emily Dickinson Lexicon

rose (-s), n. [OE < L. rosa prob. an adoption of Gr.]

1. Beautiful fragrant flower of the genus Rosa.
2. Source of spicy fragrance or perfume.
3. Graceful woman [reference to a close friend, for example, Helen Hunt Jackson.]
4. Female flower; [personification] bride.
5. Elegant construction [such as a body or a house.]
6. Token; symbol; [fig.] representative; ambassador; authorized messenger.
7. Spring; natural beauty; prime time; season of nature; early spring or autumn [fig.] life; hope.
8. Blush; rush of blood to the face indicating intense emotion.
9. Lady [possible reference to Mary Bowles and the Virgin Mary.]