Emily Dickinson Lexicon

FOR'TU-NATE, a. [L. fortunatus. See Fortune.]

1. Coming by good luck or favorable chance; bringing some unexpected good; as, a fortunate event; a fortunate event; a fortunate concurrence of circumstances; a fortunate ticket in lottery.
2. Lucky; successful; receiving some unforeseen or unexpected good, or some good which was not dependent on one's own skill or efforts; as, a fortunate adventurer in lottery. I was most fortunate thus unexpectedly to meet my friend.
3. Successful; happy; prosperous; receiving or enjoying some good in consequence of efforts, but where the event was uncertain, and not absolutely in one's power. The brave man is usually fortunate. We say, a fortunate competitor for a fair lady, or for a crown.