Emily Dickinson Lexicon

ember (-s), n. [OE ymbren; first entry in NW 1844 mentions ember-days.]

1. Hot cinder; residue of combustion; firewood not yet extinguished; [fig.] emotion; passion; warmth of affection; feeling of love.
2. Burning ash; smouldering bundle of sticks; [fig.] memory; memorial; remembrance; recollection; [metaphor] martyrdom; fiery trial; execution of a witch by fire; [allusions] burning at the stake of Joan of Arc in 1431; holiday of fasting and prayer sometimes associated with witchcraft.