Emily Dickinson Lexicon

LA'BOR, n. [L. labor, from labo, to fail.]

1. Exertion of muscular strength, or bodily exertion which occasions weariness; particularly, the exertion of the limbs in occupations by which subsistence is obtained, as in agriculture and manufactures, in distinction from exertions of strength in play or amusements, which are denominated exercise rather than labor. Toilsome work; pains; travail; any bodily exertion which is attended with fatigue. After the labors of the day, the farmer retires, and rest is sweet. Moderate labor contributes to health. What is obtained by labor, will of right be the property of him by whose labor it is gained. Rambler.
2. Intellectual exertion; application of the mind which occasions weariness; as, the labor of compiling and writing a history.
3. Exertion of mental powers, united with bodily employment; as, the labors of the apostles in propagating Christianity.
4. Work done, or to be done; that which requires wearisome exertion. Being a labor of so great difficulty, the exact performance thereof we may rather wish than look for. – Hooker.
5. Heroic achievement; as, the labors of Hercules.
6. Travail; the pangs and efforts of childbirth.
7. The evils of life; trials; persecution, &c. They rest from their labors. Rev. xiv.