Emily Dickinson Lexicon

can (can'st), v. [OE cunnan, know, know how, be mentally or intellectually able, have the physical power to do; modal auxiliary for conditional or subjunctive mood, supporting a non-finite main verb; see could, v.] (webplay: ability, acquaintance, bear, become, comprehending, contain, create, cunning, endure, experience, fashion, fit, force, form, hold, know, plant, power, prepared, produce, prove, right, skillful, strain, stretch, try, understand).

1. Might; have the capacity to.
2. Be able to; have the possibility to.
3. Will; be willing to.
4. Shall; be possible.
5. Could; be mentally able to; have the mental ability to.
6. Be emotionally able to; have the physical strength to do.
7. May; be feasible to; be possible to.
8. Have the potential to.
9. Have the authority to.
10. Have the power to.
11. Have the opportunity to.