Emily Dickinson Lexicon

holiday (-s), n. [OE háligdæg, holy day.] (webplay: celebrate, day, gaiety, joy, solemnities).

1. Day of joy, gaiety, and celebration; [fig.] joy; elation; happiness.
2. [Fig.] freedom; independence.
3. [Fig.] game; sport; activity like one would engage in on a holiday.
4. Festival to celebrate a special religious event.
5. Day set apart for commemorating an important event in the history of a nation.