Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PURGE, v.t. [purj; L. purgo; Fr. purger; Sp. purgar; It. purgare; probably a derivative from the root of pure.]

1. To cleanse or purify by separating and carrying off whatever is impure, heterogeneous, foreign or superfluous; as, to purge the body by evacuation; to purge the Augean stable. It is followed by away, of, or off. We say, to purge away or to purge off filth, and to purge a liquor of its scum.
2. To clear from guilt or moral defilement; as, to purge one of guilt or crime; to purge away sin. Purge away our sins, for thy name's sake. – Ps. lxxix. Purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean. – Ps. li.
3. To clear from accusation or the charge of a crime, as in ordeal.
4. To remove what is offensive; to sweep away impurities. – Ezek. xx.
5. To clarify; to defecate; as liquors.