Emily Dickinson Lexicon

WALL, n. [L. vallum; Sax. weal; D. wal; G. wall; Ir. and Gaelic, balla and fal; Russ. val; W. gwal. In L. vallus is a stake or post, and probably vallum was originally a fence of stakes, a palisade or stockade; the first rude fortification of uncivilized men. The primary sense of vallus is a shoot, or that which is set, and the latter may be the sense of wall, whether it is from vallus, or from some other root.]

1. A work or structure of stone, brick or other materials, raised to some highth, and intended for a defense or security. Walls of stone, with or without cement, are much used in America for fences on farms; walls are laid as the foundations of houses and the security of cellars. Walls of stone or brick form the exterior of buildings, and they are often raised round cities and forts as a defense against enemies.
2. Walls, in the plural, is used for fortifications in general; works for defense. I rush undaunted to defend the walls. – Dryden.
3. A defense; means of security or protection. – 1 Sam. xxv. To take the wall, to take the upper or most honorable place. I will take the wall of any man or maid of Montagne's. – Shak.