Emily Dickinson Lexicon

GRO'CER, n. [This is usually considered as formed from gross, but in other languages, the corresponding word is from the name of plants, herbs or spices; D. kruidenier, from kruid, an herb, wort, spices; würzkrämer, a dealer in worts, herbs or spices; Sw. kryddkrämare. The French, Spanish and Portuguese use words formed from the name of spice, and the Italian is from the same word as drug. It would seem then that a grocer, whatever may be the origin of the name, was originally a seller of spices and other vegetables.]

A trader who deals in tea, sugar, spices, coffee, liquors; fruits, &c.