Emily Dickinson Lexicon
Definition for EX-HAUST'
EX-HAUST', v.t. [egzhause; L. exhaurio, exhaustum; ex and haurio, to draw, Gr. αρυω.]
- To draw out or drain off the whole of any thing; to draw out, till nothing of the matter drawn is left. We exhaust the water in a well, by drawing or pumping; the water of a marsh is exhausted by draining; the moisture of the earth is exhausted by evaporation.
- To empty by drawing out the contents. Venesection may exhaust the veins and arteries.
- To draw out or to use and expend the whole; to consume. The treasures of the prince were exhausted; his means or his resources were exhausted. The strength or fertility of land may be exhausted.
- To use or expend the whole by exertion; as, to exhaust the strength or spirits; to exhaust one's patience. Hence this phrase is equivalent to tire, weary, fatigue.
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