Emily Dickinson Lexicon

FLOAT, v.i. [Sax. fleotan, flotan; G. flössen; D. vlooten, vlotten; Fr. flotter; Dan. flöder. Either from the noun, or from the root of the L. fluo, to flow.]

1. To be borne or sustained on the surface of a fluid; to swim; to be buoyed up; not to sink; not to be aground. We say, the water is so shallow, the ship will not float.
2. To move or be conveyed on water; to swim. The raft floats flown the river. Three blustering nights, borne by the southern blast / I floated. – Dryden.
3. To be buoyed up and moved or conveyed in a fluid, as in air. They stretch their plumes and float upon the wind. Pope.
4. To move with a light irregular course. Qu. Locke.