Emily Dickinson Lexicon

prison (-s), n. [Early ME < OFr < L. prensiōn-em, seizing, apprehending < prehenděre, seize.] (webplay: binds, criminal, jail, liberty, take).

1. Jail; dungeon; penitentiary; detention cell; place of confinement; penal facility; enforced restraint; loss of liberty.
2. [Fig.] grave; sepulcher; tomb; death; eternal sleep.
3. [Fig.] body; frame; mortal tabernacle; housing for the human spirit.
4. Phrase. “Scarlet prison”: body of Christ; hands and feet of the crucified Lord.