Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PRANK, n. [W. pranc.]

1. Properly, a sudden start or sally. [See Prance.] Hence, a wild flight; a capering; a gambol.
2. A capricious action; a ludicrous or merry trick, or a mischievous act, rather for sport than injury. Children often play their pranks on each other. In came the harpies and played their accustomed pranks. – Ralegh.