Emily Dickinson Lexicon

silence, n. [OFr < L.]

1. Stillness; complete quietness; entire absence of sound.
2. Death; state beyond this life.
3. Reverence; solemn atmosphere.
4. Negligence; refusal to reply; [fig.] invisible God; previously mute Deity.
5. Hush; end of communication; imperative to be quiet.
6. Peace; muteness; forbearance of speech; refraining from unnecessary noise.
7. Seclusion; asceticism; wordless contemplation; verbal abstinence.
8. Stealth; lack of communication.