Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DIS-CHARGE', n.

1. An unloading, as of a ship; as, the discharge of a cargo.
2. A throwing out; vent; emission; applied to a fluid, a flowing or issuing out, or a throwing out; as, the discharge of water from a spring, or from a spout; applied to fire-arms, an explosion; as, a discharge of cannon.
3. That which is thrown out; matter emitted; as, a thin serous discharge; a purulent discharge.
4. Dismission from office or service; or the writing which evidences the dismission. The general, the soldier, obtains a discharge.
5. Release from obligation, debt or penalty; or the writing which is evidence of it; an acquittance; as, the debtor has a discharge.
6. Absolution from a crime or accusation; acquittance. – South.
7. Ransom; liberation; price paid for deliverance. Milton.
8. Performance; execution; applied to an office, trust or duty. A good man is faithful in the discharge of his duties, public and private.
9. Liberation; release from imprisonment or other confinement.
10. Exemption; escape. There is no discharge in that war. – Eccles. viii.
11. Payment, as of a debt.