Emily Dickinson Lexicon

LOSS, n.

1. Privation; as, the loss of property; the loss of money by gaming; loss of health or reputation. Every loss is not a detriment. We can not regret the loss of bad company or of evil habits.
2. Destruction; ruin; as, the loss of a ship at sea; the loss of an army.
3. Defeat; as, the loss of a battle.
4. Waste; useless application; as, a loss of time or labor.
5. Waste, by leakage or escape; as, a loss of liquors ill transportation. To bear a loss, to make good; to sustain a loss without sinking under it. To be at a loss, to be puzzled; to be unable to determine to be in a state of uncertainty.