Emily Dickinson Lexicon

WIN'TER, n. [Sax. G. D. Sw. and Dan.; from wind, or its root; Goth. wintrus.]

1. The cold season of the year. Astronomically considered, winter commences in northern latitudes when the san enters Capricorn, or at the solstice about the 21st of December, and ends at the equinox in March; but in ordinary discourse, the three winter months are December, January, and February. Our Saxon ancestors reckoned the years by winters; as, ten winters; thirty winters. In tropical climates, there are two winters annually; but they can not be said to be cold. In the temperate and frigid climates, there is one winter only in the year.
2. The part of a printing press which sustains the carriage.