Emily Dickinson Lexicon

VO-CA'TION, n. [Fr. from L. vocatio, from voco, to call. See Voice.]

1. Among divines, a calling by the will of God; or the bestowment of God's distinguishing grace upon a person or nation, by which that person or nation is put in the way of salvation; as, the vocation of the Jews under the old dispensation, and of the Gentiles under the Gospel.
2. Summons; call; inducement. What can be urged for them who, not having the vocation of poverty to scribble, out of mere wantonness make themselves ridiculous! – Dryden.
3. Designation or destination to a particular state or profession. None is to enter the ecclesiastic or monastic state, without a particular vocation. – Cyc.
4. Employment; calling; occupation; trade; a word that includes professions as well as mechanical occupations Let every divine, every physician, every lawyer, and every mechanic be faithful and diligent in his vocation.