Emily Dickinson Lexicon
Definition for HELL
HELL, n. [Sax. hell, helle; G. hölle; D. hel, helle; Sw. helvete; Dan. helvede. Qu. hole, a deep place, or from Sax. helan, to cover.]
- The place or state of punishment for the wicked after death. Matth. x. Luke xii. Sin is hell begun, as religion is heaven anticipated. J. Lathrop.
- The place of the dead, or of souls after death; the lower regions, or the grave; called in Hebrew, sheol, and by the Greeks, hades. Ps. xvi. Jon. ii.
- The pains of hell, temporal death, or agonies that dying persons feel, or which bring to the brink of the grave. Ps. xviii.
- The gates of hell, the power and policy of Satan and his instruments. Math. xvi.
- The infernal powers. While Saul and hell cross'd his strong fate in vain. Cowley.
- The place at a running play to which are carried those who are caught. Sidney.
- A place into which a tailor throws his shreds. Hudibras.
- A dungeon or prison. [Obs.]
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