Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CLOCK, n. [Sax. clugga, clucga; D. klok; G. klocke; Dan. klokke; Sw. klocka; Fr. cloche; Arm. cloch, or clech; Ir. clog; W. clôc; properly a bell, and named from its sound, from striking. It coincides in origin with clack and cluck, L. glocio, Ch. גלג. Class Lg, No. 27. See Cluck.]

1. A machine, consisting of wheels moved by weights, so constructed that by a uniform vibration of a pendulum, it measures time, and its divisions, hours, minutes, and seconds, with great exactness. It indicates the hour by the stroke of a small hammer on a bell. The phrases, what o'clock is it? it is nine o'clock, seem to be contracted from what of the clock? it is nine of the clock.
2. A figure or figured work in the ankle of a stocking. – Swift.