Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PICK'LE, n. [D. pekel; G. pökel.]

1. Brine; a solution of salt and water or of vinegar, sometimes impregnated with spices, in which flesh, fish or other substance is preserved; as, pickle for beef; pickle for capers or for cucumbers; pickle for herring.
2. A thing preserved in pickle.
3. A state or condition of difficulty or disorder; a word used in ridicule or contempt. You are in a fine pickle. How cam'st thou in this pickle? – Shak.
4. A parcel of land inclosed with a hedge. [Local.]