Emily Dickinson Lexicon

IN'DUS-TRY, n. [L. industria; Fr. industrie. This is a compound word, and the root probably of the Class Ds.]

Habitual diligence in any employment, either bodily or mental; steady attention to business; assiduity; opposed to sloth and idleness. We are directed to take lessons of industry from the bee. Industry pays debts, while idleness or despair will increase them.