Emily Dickinson Lexicon

E-RECT', a. [L. erectus, from erigo, to set upright; e and rego, to stretch or make straight, right, rectus; It. eretto. See Right.]

1. Upright, or in a perpendicular posture; as, he stood erect.
2. Directed upward. And suppliant hands, to heaven erect. Philip.
3. Upright and firm; bold; unshaken. Let no vain fear thy generous ardor tame; / But stand erect. Granville.
4. Raised; stretched; intent; vigorous; as a vigilant and erect attention of mind in prayer. Hooker.
5. Stretched; extended.
6. In botany, an erect stem is one which is without support from twining, or nearly perpendicular; an erect leaf is one which grows close to the stem; an erect flower has its aperature directed upward. Martyn.