Emily Dickinson Lexicon

O-RIG'IN-AL, n.

1. Origin. [See Origin, with which it accords in signification.]
2. First copy; archetype; that from which any thing is transcribed or translated, or from which a likeness is made by the pencil, press or otherwise. Thus we say, the translation is not equal to the original. If the original can not be produced, we are permitted to offer an authenticated copy.