Emily Dickinson Lexicon

NEC'TAR-Y, n. [from nectar.]

In botany, the melliferous part of a vegetable, peculiar to the flower. It usually makes a part of the corol, but is sometimes distinct from it. Sometimes it is in the form of a horn or spur; sometimes in that of a cup; whence it is called the honey-cup. Martyn.

NED'DER, n. [W. nadyr; Sax. nedder.]

An adder. [Obs.]

NEED, n. [Sax. nead, neod, nyd; D. nood; G. noth; Sw. nod; Dan. nöd; Eth. ነድየ nadei, to be in want. The primary sense is to press. Class Nd, No. 7, 24.]

1. Want; occasion for something; necessity; a state that requires supply or relief. It sometimes expresses urgent want; pressing exigency. What further need have we of witnesses? Matth. xxvi. For ye have need of patience. Heb. x.
2. Want of the means of subsistence; poverty; indigence. I know how to abound and to suffer need. Phil. iv.

NEED, v.i.

To be wanted; to be necessary. When we have done it, we have done all that is in our power, and all that needs. [Not used.] Locke. Need is often used as an auxiliary, or at least without the personal termination. And the lender need not fear he shall be injured. Anacharsis, Trans.

NEED, v.t. [Sax. geneadan, genedan, to compel; Dan. nöder.]

To want; to lack; to require, as supply or relief. They that be whole, need not a physician, but they that are sick. Matth. ix.

NEED'ED, pp.

Wanted.

NEED'ER, n.

One that wants.

NEED'FUL, a.

Necessary, as supply or relief; requisite. All things needful for defense abound. Dryden.

NEED'FUL-LY, adv.

Necessarily. B. Jonson.

NEED'I-LY, adv. [from needy.]

In want or poverty.

NEED'I-NESS, n. [from needy.]

Want; poverty indigence. Bacon.

NEED'ING, ppr.

Wanting; requiring, as supply or relief.

NEE'DLE, n. [Sax. nedl, nædl; G. nadel; Goth. nethal; Arm. nadoz; Ir. snathad; W. nydwyz, from nwd, something sharp or pointed. It may be allied to nettle.]

1. A small instrument of steel pointed at one end, with an eye at the other to receive a thread; used in sewing and embroidery. Needles are also used by surgeons in sewing up wounds.
2. A small pointed piece of steel used in the mariner's compass, which by its magnetic quality is attracted and directed to the pole, and thus enables navigators to steer their ships the course intended.
3. Any crystalized substance in the form of a needle. Dipping needle, a magnetic needle that dips or inclines downward.

NEE'DLE, v.i.

To shoot in crystalization into the form of needles; as, needled prisms. Fourcroy.

NEE'DLE, v.t.

To form crystals in the shape of a needle.

NEE'DLE-FISH, n.

A fish of the genus Syngnathus. Also, the sea-urchin.

NEE'DLE-FUL, n.

As much thread as is put at once in a needle.

NEE'DLE-MAK-ER, or NEE'DLER, n.

One who manufactures needles.

NEE'DLE-ORE, n.

Acicular bismuth glance. Ure.

NEE'DLE-POINT-ED, a.

Pointed as needles.

NEE'DLE-SHELL, n.

The sea-urchin. Dict. Nat. Hist.

NEED'LESS, a.

1. Not wanted; unnecessary; not requisite; as, needless labor; needless expenses.
2. Not wanting. [Obs.] Shak.

NEED'LESS-LY, adv.

Without necessity.

NEED'LESS-NESS, n.

Unnecessariness. Locke.

NEE'DLE-STONE, n.

A mineral of the zeolite family. Cleaveland.