Emily Dickinson Lexicon

whip (-'s), n. [Partly from whip, v. and partly from MLG wippe (wip) quick movement, moment of time, life for raising a well-bucket or hoisting cargo, lever.] (webplay: away, boy, child, flies, horses, instant, lash, small, suddenly, turning).

1. Cord; [fig.] flash; flare; blinding light; sudden brightness; [fig.] stroke; quick movement.
2. Rope; [fig.] ray; beam; stream of light.
3. Instrument for flogging; wooden handle with long braided strands using for striking; [fig.] shame; chastisement; rebuke which breaks the heart.
4. Phrase. “Whip lash”: smiting cord; slender braided rope; flexible end of a whip; braided leather strand used for beating; [fig.] quick movement; sudden flash; potential danger; [metonymy] snake; serpent.