Emily Dickinson Lexicon

FAME, n. [L. fama; Fr. fame; Sp. and It. fama; Gr. φαμα, φημη, from φαω, to speak. I suspect this root to be contracted from φαγω or φακω, Class Bg. See No. 48, 62, and Facund.]

1. Public report or rumor. The fame thereof was heard in Pharaoh's house, saying, Joseph's brethren are come. Gen. xiv.
2. Favorable report; report of good or great actions; report that exalts the character; celebrity; renown; as, the fame of Howard or of Washington; the fame of Solomon. And the fame of Jesus went throughout all Syria. Matth. iv.