Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SEX, n. [Fr. sexe; Sp. sexo; It. sesso; L. sexus; qu. G. sieke, she, female; from L. seco, to divide.]

1. The distinction between male and female; or that property or character by which an animal is male or female. The male sex is usually characterized by muscular strength, boldness and firmness. The female sex is characterized by softness, sensibility and modesty. In botany, the structure of plants which corresponds to sex in animals. The Linnæan method of botany is formed on the sexes in plants. – Milne.
2. By way of emphasis, womankind; females. Unhappy sex! whose beauty is your snare. – Dryden. The sex, whose presence civilizes ours. – Cowper.