Emily Dickinson Lexicon

JOY, n. [Fr. joie; It. gioia; Arm. joa, contracted G. jauchzen, to shout; D. juichen, to rejoice; Sp. gozo; Port. id. This word belongs to the Class Cg, and its radical sense is probably, to shout, or to leap, or to play or sport, and allied perhaps to joke and juggle. Qu. L. gaudium.]

1. The passion or emotion excited by the acquisition or expectation of good; that excitement of pleasurable feelings which is caused by success, good fortune, the gratification of desire or some good possessed, or by a rational prospect of possessing what we love or desire; gladness; exultation; exhilaration of spirits. Joy is a delight of the mind, from the consideration of the present or assured approaching possession of a good. – Locke. Peace, / Bring heavenly balm to heal my country's wounds, / Joy to my soul, and transport to my lay. – D. Humphrey.
2. Gayety; mirth; festivity. The roofs with joy resound. – Dryden.
3. Happiness; felicity. Her heavenly form beheld, all wished her joy. – Dryden.
4. A glorious and triumphant state. Who for the joy that was set before him, endured the cross. – Heb. xii.
5. The cause of joy or happiness. For ye are our glory and joy. – 1 Thess. ii.
6. A term of fondness; the cause of joy.