Emily Dickinson Lexicon

LEARN, v.t. [lern; Sax. leornian; G. lernen; D. leeren; Dan. lærer; Sw. lära. The latter coincides with the Sax. læran, to teach, the same word having both significations, to teach and to learn. In popular use, learn still has both senses.]

1. To gain knowledge of; to acquire knowledge or ideas of something before unknown. We learn the use of letters, the meaning of words and the principles of science. We learn things by instruction, by study, and by experience and observation. It is much easier to learn what is right, than to unlearn what is wrong. Now learn a parable of the fig tree. – Matth. xxiv.
2. To acquire skill in any thing; to gain by practice a faculty of performing; as, to learn to play on a flute or an organ. The chief art of learning is to attempt but little at a time. – Locke.
3. To teach; to communicate the knowledge of something before unknown. Hast thou not learned me how / To make perfumes. – Shak. [This use of learn is found in respectable writers, but is now deemed inelegant as well as improper.]