Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PA'PER, n. [Fr. papier; It. papiro; Port. and Sp. papel; D. and G. papier; W. papyr; Gr. παπυρος; L. papyrus, the name of an Egyptian plant, from which was made a kind of paper. This word is said to be formed from παω, to feed, and πυρ, fire, from the use of the plant as fuel. Elmes. Qu.]

1. A substance formed into thin sheets on which letters and figures are written or printed. Paper is made of different materials; but among us it is usually made of linen or cotton rags. A fine paper is made of silk, particularly for bank-notes, which require to be very thin.
2. A piece of paper. – Locke.
3. A single sheet printed or written; as, a daily paper; a weekly paper; a periodical paper; referring to essays, journals, newspapers, &c.
4. Any written instrument, whether note, receipt, bill, invoice, bond, memorial, deed, and the like. The papers lie on the Speaker's table. They brought a paper to me to be signed. – Dryden.
5. A promissory note or notes or a bill of exchange; as, negotiable paper. – Kent.
6. Hangings printed or stamped; paper for covering the walls of rooms.