Emily Dickinson Lexicon

POOL, n. [Sax. pol, pul; D. poel; G. pfuhl; Dan. pöl; W. pwll, a pool or pit; Arm. poul; L. palus; Gr. πηλος; probably from setting, standing, like L. stagnum, or from issuing, as a spring.]

A small collection of water in a hollow place, supplied by a spring, and discharging its surplus water by an outlet. It is smaller than a lake, and in New England is never confounded with pond or lake. It signifies with us, a spring with a small basin or reservoir on the surface of the earth. It is used by writers with more latitude, and sometimes signifies a body of stagnant water. – Milton. Encyc. Bacon.