Emily Dickinson Lexicon

NOSE, n. [s as z. Sax. nose, næse, nase; G. nase; D. neus; Sw. näsa; Dan. næse; L. nasus; It. naso; Fr. nez; Russ. nos; Dalmatian, nooss; Sans. nasa. Qu. Gr. νησος, an isle. It occurs in Peloponnesus, the promontory of Pelops. It seems to be the same word, or from the same root as ness, in Sheerness.]

1. The prominent part of the face which is the organ of smell, consisting of two similar cavities called nostrils. The nose serves also to modulate the voice in speaking, and to discharge the tears which flow through the lachrymal ducts. Through this organ also the air usually passes in respiration, and it constitutes no small part of the beauty of the face. In man, the nose is situated near the middle of the face; but in quadrupeds, the nose is at or near the lower extremity of the head.
2. The end of any thing; as, the nose of a bellows. Holder.
3. Scent; sagacity. We are not offended with a dog for a better nose than his master. Collier. To lead by the nose, to lead blindly. To be led by the nose, to follow another obsequiously, or to be led without resistance or inquiring the reason. To thrust one's nose into the affairs of others, to meddle officiously in others people's matters; to be a busy-body. To put one's nose out of joint, to alienate the affections from another.