Emily Dickinson Lexicon

BA'AL, n. [Oriental, בעל, lord.]

An idol among the ancient Chaldeans and Syrians, representing the sun. The word signifies also lord, or commander; and the character of the idol was varied by different nations, at different times. Thus Baal Berith is supposed to signify, the Lord of the Covenant; Baal Peor, or rather Baal Phegor, the Lord of the dead. Ps. cvi. Baal Zebub, the god of flies, &c.