Emily Dickinson Lexicon

TRASH, n. [In G. drüse is a gland; drusen, dregs. In Sw. trasa is a rag. The word may be allied to thrash.]

1. Any waste or worthless matter. Who steals my purse, steals trash. Shak.
2. Loppings of trees; bruised canes, &c. In the West Indies, the decayed leaves and stems of canes are called field-trash; the bruised or macerated rind of canes is called cane-trash; and both are called trash. Edwards, W. Indies.
3. Fruit or other matter improper for food, but eaten by children, &c. It is used particularly of unripe fruits.
4. A worthless person. [Not proper.] Shak.
5. A piece of leather or other thing fastened to a dog's neck to retard his speed.