Emily Dickinson Lexicon

LA'BOR, v.t.

1. To work at; to till; to cultivate. The most excellent lands are lying fallow, or only labored by children. – Tooke.
2. To prosecute with effort; to urge; as, to labor a point or argument.
3. To form or fabricate with exertion; as, to labor arms for Troy. – Dryden.
4. To beat; to belabor. [The latter word is generally used.] – Dryden.
5. To form with toil and care; as, a labored composition.