Emily Dickinson Lexicon

IN-TEST'INE, a. [Fr. intestin; L. intestinus, from intus, within.]

1. Internal; inward; opposed to external; applied to the human or other animal body; as, an intestine disease.
2. Internal with regard to a state or country; domestic, not foreign; as, intestine feuds; intestine war; intestine enemies. It is to be remarked that this word is usually or always applied to evils. We never say, intestine happiness or prosperity; intestine trade, manufactures or bills; but intestine broils, trouble, disorders, calamities, war, &c. We say, internal peace, welfare, prosperity, or internal broils, war, trade, &c. This restricted use of intestine seems to be entirely arbitrary.