Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SEV'ER-AL, a. [from sever.]

1. Separate; distinct; not common to two or more; as, a several fishery; a several estate. A several fishery is one held by the owner of the soil, or by title derived from the owner. A several estate is one held by a tenant in his own right, or a distinct estate unconnected with any other person. – Blackstone.
2. Separate; different; distinct. Divers sorts of beasts came from several parts to drink. – Bacon. Four several armies to the field are led. – Dryden.
3. Divers; consisting of a number; more than two, but not very many. Several persons were present when the event took place.
4. Separate; single; particular. Each several ship a victory did gain. – Dryden.
5. Distinct; appropriate. Each might his several province well command, / Would all but stoop to what they understand. – Pope. A joint and several note or bond, is one executed by two or more persons, each of whom is bound to pay the whole, in case the others prove to be insolvent.