Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PIL'LOW, n. [Sax. pile, or pyle; Ir. pilliur; L. pulvinar; from L. pilus, hair, or from stuffing.]

1. A long cushion to support the head of a person when reposing on a bed; a sack or case filled with feathers, down or other soft material.
2. In a ship, the block on which the inner end of a bowsprit is supported. – Mar. Dict. The pillow of a plow, is a cross piece of wood which serves to raise or lower the beam. – Cyc.