Emily Dickinson Lexicon

NEED, n. [Sax. nead, neod, nyd; D. nood; G. noth; Sw. nod; Dan. nöd; Eth. ነድየ nadei, to be in want. The primary sense is to press. Class Nd, No. 7, 24.]

1. Want; occasion for something; necessity; a state that requires supply or relief. It sometimes expresses urgent want; pressing exigency. What further need have we of witnesses? Matth. xxvi. For ye have need of patience. Heb. x.
2. Want of the means of subsistence; poverty; indigence. I know how to abound and to suffer need. Phil. iv.