Emily Dickinson Lexicon

EGG, n. [Sax. æg; G. and D. ei; Sw. ägg; Dan. eg. Qu. L. ovum, by a change of g into v. W. wy; Arm. oy; Ir. ugh; Russ. ikra, eggs, and the fat or calf of the leg.]

A body formed in the females of fowls and certain other animals, containing an embryo or fetus of the same species, or the substance from which a like animal is produced. The eggs of fowls when laid are covered with a shell, and within is the white or albumen, which incloses the yelk or yellow substance. The eggs of fish and some other animals are united by a viscous substance, and called spawn. Most insects are oviparous. Egg, to incite, is a mere blunder. [See Edge.]