Emily Dickinson Lexicon

HIVE, n. [Sax. hyfe; Eth. ቀፎ kafo. Class Gb, No. 88. In W. cyf is the stem or stock of a tree, and cyfgwenyn is a bee-hive. So in G. bienenstock, Sw. bistock, bee-stock. The hive of wild bees is a hollow tree.]

1. A box, chest or kind of basket for the reception and habitation of a swarm of honey-bees. It is made of boards, straw or other materials.
2. A swarm of bees; or the bees inhabiting a hive. Shak.
3. A company or society together, or closely connected. [Unusual.] Swift.