Emily Dickinson Lexicon

QUICK, n. [Sw. qviga, a heifer; Dan. qvæg, cattle; that is, living.]

1. A living animal. [Obs.] – Spenser.
2. The living flesh; sensible parts; as, penetrating to the quick; stung to the quick; cut to the quick. – Bacon. Dryden.
3. Living shrubs or trees; as, a ditch or bank set with quick. – Mortimer.