Emily Dickinson Lexicon

person (-s), n. [OFr < L. persōna, mask used by a player; character, actor, or role; one who plays or performs a part.] (webplay: affirmed, almighty, being, books, counterfeit, friend, given, God, history, human, living, nature, pass, presence, pride, remember, sameness, seasons, soul, things, woman).

1. Individual; human being.
2. Being; entity; creature; mortal.
3. Character; actor; masked performer.
4. Phrase. “Persons of prognostication”: fortunetellers; soothsayers; prophets; seers; visionaries; [fig.] robins; birds returning north after winter is over in New England; signs of approaching spring.
5. Phrase. “In person”: personally; himself; by his own physical presence; without a substitute or representative.