Emily Dickinson Lexicon

MEAN-ING, n.

1. That which exists in the mind, view or contemplation as a settled aim or purpose, though not directly expressed. We say, this or that is not his meaning.
2. Intention; purpose; aim; with reference to a future act. I am no honest man, if there be any good meaning toward you. Shak.
3. Signification. What is the meaning of all this parade? The meaning of a hieroglyphic is not always obvious.
4. The sense of words or expressions; that which is to be understood; signification; that which the writer or speaker intends to express or communicate. Words have a literal meaning, or a metaphorical meaning, and it is not always easy to ascertain the real meaning.
5. Sense; power of thinking. [Little used.]