Emily Dickinson Lexicon
Definition for LES'SON
LES'SON, n. [les'n; This word we probably have received from the Fr. leçon, L. lectio, from lego, to read, Fr. lire, lisant; Sp. leccion; It. lezione; Sw. lexa; and not from the D. leezen, G. lesen, to read.]
- Any thing read or recited to a teacher by a pupil or learner for improvement; or such a portion of a book as a pupil learns and repeats at one time. The instructor is pleased when his pupils recite their lessons with accuracy and promptness.
- A portion of Scripture read in divine service. Thus endeth the first lesson.
- A portion of a book or manuscript assigned by a preceptor to a pupil to be learnt, or for an exercise; something to be learnt. Give him his lesson.
- Precept; doctrine or notion inculcated. Be not jealous over the wife of thy bosom, and teach her not an evil lesson against thyself. – Eccles.
- Severe lecture; reproof; rebuke. She would give her a lesson for walking so late. – Sidney.
- Tune written for an instrument. – Davies.
- Instruction or truth, taught by experience. The lessons which sickness imparts, she leaves to be practiced when health is established.
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