Emily Dickinson Lexicon

REED, n. [Sax. hreod, reod; G. rieth; D. riet; Goth. raus; Fr. roseau; Ir. readan; probably allied to rod.]

1. The common name of many aquatic plants; most of them large grasses, with hollow jointed stems, such as the common reed of the genus Arundo, the bamboo, &c. The bur-reed is of the genus Sparganium; the Indian flowering reed of the genus Canna.
2. A musical pipe; reeds being anciently used for instruments of music. – Milton.
3. A little tube through which a hautboy, bassoon or clarinet is blown.
4. An arrow, as made of a reed headed. – Prior.
5. Thatch. – West of England.
6. A weaver's instrument for separating the threads of the warp.