Emily Dickinson Lexicon

O-RIG'IN-AL, a. [Fr. originel; L. originalis.]

1. First in order; preceding all others; as, the original state of men; the original laws of a country; original rights or powers; the original question in debate.
2. Primitive; pristine; as, the original perfection of Adam. Original sin, as applied to Adam, was his first act of disobedience in eating the forbidden fruit; as applied to his posterity, it is understood to mean either the sin of Adam imputed to his posterity, or that corruption of nature, or total depravity, which has been derived from him in consequence of his apostasy. On this subject divines are not agreed. In strictness, original sin is an improper use of words, as sin, ex vi termini, implies volition and the transgression of a known rule of duty by a moral agent. But this application of the words has been established by long use, and it serves to express ideas which many wise and good men entertain on this subject.
3. Having the power to originate new thoughts or combinations of thought; as, an original genius.