Emily Dickinson Lexicon

Thomas, proper n. [Gk < Aramaic te'ōma, twin.]

Early Christian saint (A.D. ? - ca. 72); twin brother of Matthew; disciple willing to follow Jesus even unto death; follower known as the “doubting apostle” because he wanted direct evidence of Christ's resurrection (see John 20:24-29); apostle who took the gospel to Persia and India; [fig.] empiricist; scientist; one who believes by fact not faith; (see ED's letters).