Emily Dickinson Lexicon

GOAL, n. [Fr. gaule, a long pole; W. gwyal; Arm. goalenn, a staff.]

1. The point set to bound a race, and to which they run; the mark. Part curb their fiery steeds, or shun the goal / With rapid wheels. Milton.
2. Any starting post. Milton.
3. The end or final purpose; the end to which a design tends, or which a person aims to reach or accomplish. Each individual seeks a several goal. Pope.