Emily Dickinson Lexicon

light (-s), n. [OE léoht, < Aryan *leuk–, to shine, be white; NW says its original sense comes from the Welsh llug, to throw, dart, shoot, or break forth; and accords with English luck.]

1. An object of perception; an individual shining or appearance of light.
2. The source of illumination; as a lamp, candle, etc. that may be held or carried in the hand.
3. The natural agent or influence emanating from the sun or other source that enables sight. Opposed to dark.
4. The illumination from the sun in day-time; dawn; daylight.
5. [Fig.] Life; also one's light, the ordinary measure of light a person enjoys or expects to enjoy; by extension, eternal or everlasting life.
6. [Fig.] Mental illumination or elucidation; understanding, knowledge; often with spiritual reference.
7. [Fig.] The means of knowing or understanding, spiritual enlightenment.
8. [Fig.] Happiness, joy, comfort.