Emily Dickinson Lexicon

E-TERN'AL, a. [Fr. eternel; L. æternus, composed of ævum and turnus, æviternus. Varro. The origin of the last component part of the word is not obvious. It occurs in diuturnus, and seems to denote continuance.]

1. Without beginning or end of existence. The eternal God is thy refuge. Deut. xxxiii.
2. Without beginning of existence. To know whether there is any real being, whose duration has been eternal. Locke.
3. Without end of existence or duration; everlasting; endless; immortal. That they may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 2 Tim. ii. What shall I do, that I may have eternal life? Matth. xix. Suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Jude 7.
4. Perpetual; ceaseless; continued without intermission. And fires eternal in thy temple shine. Dryden.
5. Unchangeable; existing at all times without change; as, eternal truth.