Emily Dickinson Lexicon

FOLD, v.t. [Sax. fealdan; Goth. faldan; G. falten; Dan. folder; Sw. fålla. Qu. Heb. כפל, Ch. קפל, to double. Class Bl, No. 47, 51. See also No. 22. The primary sense is to fix, or to lay, to set, throw or press together.]

1. To double; to lap or lay in plaits; as, to fold a piece of cloth.
2. To double and insert one part in another; as, to fold a letter.
3. To double or lay together, as the arms. He folds his arms in despair.
4. To confine sheep in a fold.