Emily Dickinson Lexicon

WARN, v.t. [waurn; Sax. warnian; Sw. varna; G. warnen; formed on the root of ware, wary, Sax. warian. This is our garnish, as used in law, Norm. garnisher; also garner, for guarner, to warn, to admonish or give notice.]

1. To give notice of approaching or probable danger or evil, that may be avoided; to caution against any thing that may prove injurious. Juturna warns the Daunian chief / Of Laustus' danger. – Dryden. Being warned by God in a dream, that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. – Matth. ii.
2. To caution against evil practices. – 1 Thess. v.
3. To admonish of any duty. Cornelius … was warned from God by a holy angel to send for thee. – Acts x.
4. To inform previously; to give notice to. – Shak. Warn'd of th' ensuing fight. – Dryden.
5. To notify by authority; to summon; as, to warn the citizens to meet on a certain day; to warn soldiers to appear on parade.
6. To ward off. [Not in use.] – Spenser.