Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SMILE, v.i. [Sw. smila; Dan. smiler.]

1. To contract the features of the face in such a manner as to express pleasure, moderate joy, or love and kindness; the contrary to frown. The smiling infant in his hand shall take / The crested basilisk and speckled snake. – Pope. She smil'd to see the doughty hero slain. – Pope.
2. To express slight contempt by a smiling look, implying sarcasm or pity; to sneer. 'Twas what I said to Craggs and Child, / Who prais'd my modesty and smil'd. – Pope.
3. To look gay and joyous; or to have an appearance to excite joy; as, smiling spring; smiling plenty. The desert smil'd / And paradise was open'd in the wild. – Pope.
4. To be propitious or favorable; to favor; to countenance. May heaven smile on our labors.