Emily Dickinson Lexicon

LIKE, v.t. [Sax. licean, lician; Goth. leikan; probably L. placeo and delecto, with prefixes.]

1. To be pleased with in a moderate degree; to approve. It expresses less than love and delight. We like a plan or design, when we approve of it as correct or beneficial. We like the character or conduct of a man when it comports with our view of rectitude. We like food that the taste relishes. We like whatever gives us pleasure. He proceeded from looking to liking, and from liking to loving. – Sidney.
2. To please; to be agreeable to. This desire being recommended to her majesty, it liked her to include the same within one entire lease. [Obs.] – Bacon.
3. To liken. [Obs.]