Emily Dickinson Lexicon

COUCH, n.

1. A bed; a place for rest or sleep. – Milton. Dryden.
2. A seat of repose; a place for rest and ease, on which it is common to lie down undressed. – Milton. Dryden.
3. A layer or stratum; as, a couch of malt. – Mortimer.
4. In painting, a lay or impression of color, in oil or water, covering the canvas, wall, or other matter to be painted. – Encyc.
5. Any lay, or impression, used to make a thing firm or consistent, or to screen it from the weather. – Encyc.
6. A covering of gold or silver leaf; laid on any substance to be gilded or silvered. – Encyc.