Emily Dickinson Lexicon

FOOD, n. [Sax. fod, foda; G. futter; D. voedzel; Dan. foeder; Sw. föda, from feeding. See Feed.]

1. In a general sense, whatever is eaten by animals for nourishment, and whatever supplies nutriment to plants.
2. Meat; aliment; flesh or vegetables eaten for sustaining human life; victuals; provisions; whatever is or may be eaten for nourishment. Feed me with food convenient for me. Prov. xxx.
3. Whatever supplies nourishment and growth to plants, as water, carbonic acid gas, &c. Manuring substances furnish plants with food.
4. Something that sustains, nourishes and augments. Flattery is the food of vanity.