Emily Dickinson Lexicon

LASH, n. [This may be the same word as leash, Fr. laisse, or it may be allied to the G. lasche; a slap, laschen, to lash or slap, and both may be from one root.]

1. The thong or braided cord of a whip. I observed that your whip wanted a lash to it. – Addison.
2. A leash or string.
3. A stroke with a whip, or any thing pliant and tough. The culprit was whipped thirty-nine lashes.
4. A stroke of satire; a sarcasm; an expression or retort that cuts or gives pain. The moral is a lash at the vanity of arrogating that to ourselves which succeeds well. – L'Estrange.