Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SIM'I-LE, n. [sim'ily; L.]

In rhetoric, similitude; a comparison of two things which, however different in other respects, have some strong point or points of resemblance by which comparison, the character or qualities of a thing are illustrated or presented in an impressive light. Thus, the eloquence of Demosthenes was like a rapid torrent that of Cicero, like a large stream that glides smoothly along with majestic tranquillity.