Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SLEN'DER, a. [Old D. slinder. This word is probably formed on the root of lean, Teutonic klein.]

1. Thin; small in circumference compared with the length; not thick; as, a slender stem or stalk of a plant.
2. Small in the waist; not thick or gross. A slender waist is considered as a beauty.
3. Not strong; small; slight. Mighty hearts are held in slender chains. – Pope.
4. Weak; feeble; as, slender hope; slender probabilities; a slender constitution.
5. Small; inconsiderable; as, a man of slender parts.
6. Small; inadequate; as, slender means of support; a slender pittance. – Shak.
7. Not amply supplied. The good Ostorius often deign'd / To grace my slender table. – Philips.
8. Spare abstemious; as, a slender diet. – Arbuthnot.