Emily Dickinson Lexicon

boat, n. [OE bát.] (webplay: craft, little, mast, sail).

1. Small ship; water craft; open vessel propelled across water by wind (see John 6:23); [fig.] life; soul; mortal being; vulnerable person.
2. Ark; bark; sailing vessel; [fig.] shape; form; frame; body in flight; figure sailing through the air.