Emily Dickinson Lexicon

BRUISE, v.t. [s as z. Sax. brysan, to bruise; Fr. briser, to break or bruise; froisser, to bruise; Arm. brousta.]

To crush by beating or pounding with an instrument not edged or pointed. When applied to animal flesh or to vegetables, a bruise is a contusion that impairs the natural solidity and texture of the part, but often without breaking the skin. When applied to minerals and similar substances, it signifies to break them, and often to reduce them to a coarse powder.