Emily Dickinson Lexicon
Definition for Labor (-s)
labor (-s), n. [OFr labor; NW says L. < labo, to fail.] (webplay: childbirth, day, done, exactness, great, life, look, play, right, strive, sweet, wish, work).
- Calling; mission; endeavor; purpose.
- Work; travail; arduous effort; physical exertion; (see Exodus 20:9).
- Industry; diligent activity; [fig.] buzzing; flying; pollen-gathering.
- Sacrifice; exercise; discipline; restraint; rigor; ordeal; effort to control oneself.
- Task; chore; housekeeping.
Return to page 1 of the letter “l”.