Emily Dickinson Lexicon

GUILD, n. [gild; Sax. geld, gield, gild or gyld; D. gild; G. gilde; so called, it is said, from geldan, gildan, to pay, because each member of the society was to pay something toward the charge and support of the company.]

In England, a society, fraternity or company, associated for some purpose, particularly for carrying on commerce. The merchant-guilds of our ancestors, answer to our modern corporations. They were licensed by the king, and governed by laws and orders of their own. Hence the name Guildhall, the great court of judicature in London. Cowel. Encyc.