Emily Dickinson Lexicon

BEA'CON, n. [be'ekn; W. pigwn, a beacon, cone, or turret, from pig, a point. See Pike. Sax. beacen, becen, a signal; D. baak, baaken; Ger. bake.]

1. A signal erected on a long pole, upon an eminence, consisting of a pitch barrel, or some combustible matter, to be fired at night, or to cause a smoke by day, to notify the approach of an enemy.
2. A light-house; a house erected on a point of land, or other place on the sea-coast, with lamps which burn at night, to direct navigators, and preserve vessels from running upon rocks, sand banks, or the shore. In general, a beacon may be any light or mark intended for direction and security against danger.
3. Figuratively, that which gives notice of danger.