Emily Dickinson Lexicon

tree (-s), n. [OE tréow.]

1. [Fig.] in Scripture, the cross on which Christ was crucified.
2. A perennial plant having a self-supporting woody main stem or trunk [which usually develops woody branches at some distance from the ground], and growing to a considerable height and size [usually distinguished from a bush or shrub by size and manner of growth.]
3. A large perennial plant with a woody trunk, as described above; includes fruit-trees, cultivated in gardens and orchards.
4. A large perennial plant with a woody trunk, as described above; includes coniferous, or cone-bearing; some are forest-trees, and useful for timber or fuel; evergreens are used as Christmas-trees.
5. [Fig.] Earth as seen from heaven.
6. [Fig.] A deterrent; hindrance; stumbling block.
7. [Fig.] Heaven, or something out of reach.
8. [Fig.] Life.
9. Something resembling a tree, consisting of a stem or stalk and branches; as, a genealogical tree.
10. Literally, a bay or laurel tree; gravesite of a hero.