Emily Dickinson Lexicon

LOVE, v.t. [luv; Sax. lufian, luvian; D. lieven; G. lieben; Russ. lioblyu; L. libeo, lubeo; Sans. loab, love, desire. See Lief. The sense is probably to be prompt, free, willing, from leaning, advancing, or drawing forward.]

1. In a general sense, to be pleased with; to regard with affection, on account of some qualities which excite pleasing sensations or desire of gratification. We love a friend on account of some qualities which give us pleasure in his society. We love a man who has done us a favor; in which case gratitude enters into the composition of our affection. We love our parents and our children, on account of their connection with us, and on, account of many qualities which please us. We love to retire to a cool shade in summer. We love a warm room in winter. We love to hear an eloquent advocate. The Christian loves his Bible. In short, we love whatever gives us pleasure and delight, whether animal or intellectual; and if our hearts are right, we love God above all things, as the sum of all excellence and all the attributes which can communicate happiness to intelligent beings. In other words, the Christian loves God with the love of complacency in his attributes, the love of benevolence toward the interests of his kingdom, and the love of gratitude for favors received. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. Matth. xxii. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. Matth. xxii.
2. To have benevolence or good will for. John iii.