Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PITH, n. [Sax. pitha; D. pit, pith, kernel.]

1. The soft spungy substance in the center of plants and trees. – Bacon. Encyc.
2. In animals, the spinal cord. – Ray.
3. Strength or force. – Shak.
4. Energy; cogency; concentrated force; closeness and vigor of thought and style.
5. Condensed substance or matter; quintessence. The summary contains the pith of the original.
6. Weight; moment; importance. Enterprises of great pith and moment. – Shak.