Emily Dickinson Lexicon
Definition for ES-SEN'TIAL
ES-SEN'TIAL, a. [L. essentialis.]
- Necessary to the constitution or existence of a thing. Piety and good works are essential to the Christian character. Figure and extension are essential properties of bodies. And if each system in gradation roll, / Alike essential to the amazing whole. Pope.
- Important in the highest degree. Judgment is more essential to a general than courage. Denham.
- Pure; highly rectified. Essential oils are such as are drawn from plants by distillation in an alembic with water, as distinguished from empyreumatic oils, which are raised by a naked fire without water. Encyc.
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