Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SED'EN-TA-RY, a. [Fr. sedentaire; It. and Sp. sedentario; L. sedentarius, from sedens, sedeo, to sit.]

1. Accustomed to sit much, or to pass most of the time in a sitting posture; as, a sedentary man. Students, tailors, and women are sedentary persons.
2. Requiring much sitting; as, a sedentary occupation or employment.
3. Passed for the most part in sitting; as, a sedentary life. Arbuthnot.
4. Inactive; motionless; sluggish; as, the sedentary earth. Milton. The soul, considered abstractly from its passions, is of a remiss, sedentary nature. Spectator.