Emily Dickinson Lexicon

palm (-s), n. [OE < L. 'palm of the hand'.] (webplay: art, Asia, feet, fruit, hand, natural, new, old, superiority, trick, victory, way, worn).

1. Tropical tree; desert plant which grows in severely hot climates.
2. Victor's crown; token of triumph; prize; wreath made of leaves of the palm tree to signify mastery of a difficult trial; branch strewn in the path of Jesus during his triumphal entry into Jerusalem preceding his crucifixion; resilient branch which rises and recovers its position after being pressed down; [fig.] resurrection.
3. [Fig.] work; effort; diligence; exertion.
4. [Fig.] Asia; home; native environment of a leopard.