Emily Dickinson Lexicon

decay (-s), n. [see decay, v.] (webplay: failure, men).

1. Death; the process of dying; natural destruction of the physical body.
2. Fatigue; exhaustion; fainting; [fig.] lapse; regression; fading memory.
3. Fading hues; diminishing array of light; [fig.] twilight; dusk; gloaming; nightfall.
4. Expiration; closure; termination; departure; passing away.
5. Decomposition; descent; declension; [fig.] degeneracy; depravity; moral corruption.
6. Old age; advancing years; [fig.] autumn season.
7. Ageing process; gradual destruction; biological corruption; (see Leviticus 25:35).