Emily Dickinson Lexicon

REEK, v.i. [Sax. recan, reocan, D. rooken, ruiken; G. rauchen; Sw. röka; Dan. röger, ryger, to reek, to smoke; W. rhogli, to smell. This may be from the same root as the L. fragro, and all coinciding with the Ar. أَرِجَ areega, to diffuse odor. The primary sense is to send out or emit, to extend, to reach. Class Rg.]

To steam; to exhale; to emit vapor; applied especially to the vapor of certain moist substances, rather than to the smoke of burning bodies. I found me laid / In balmy sweat, which with his beams the sun / Soon dry'd, and on the reeking moisture fed. – Milton. Whose blood yet reeks on my avenging sword. – Smith.