Emily Dickinson Lexicon

lily (lilies), n. [L. līlium.]

1. Bell-shaped bloom; long-stemmed floral plant of the genus Hemerocallis or Lilium; fragrant white, gold, orange, or red-colored flower.
2. Blooming perennial bulb; [fig.] Easter bloom; flower that represents new life; symbol of Christ's resurrection from the dead.
3. Blossoming plant of the Lilium family; [fig.] funeral emblem; memorial flower; eulogizing bloom; [metaphor] emblem of the Virgin Mary; floral symbol of chastity, purity, virtue, virginity, and spotless clothing.
4. Phrase. “Water lilies”: floating blossom of the genus Nymphæaceæ; broad-leafed flower with underwater roots in a pond or lake.