Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SPIRE, n. [L. spira; Gr. σπειρα; Sp. espira; from the root of L. spiro, to breathe. The primary sense of the root is to throw, to drive, to send, but it implies a winding motion, like throw, warp, and many others.]

1. A winding line like the threads of a screw; any thing wreathed or contorted; a curl; a twist; a wreath. His neck erect amidst his circling spires. – Milton. A dragon's fiery form belied the god; / Sublime on radiant spires he rode. – Dryden.
2. A body that shoots up to a point; a tapering body; a round pyramid or pyramidical body; a steeple. With glist'ring spires and pinnacles adorn'd. – Milton.
3. A stalk or blade of grass or other plant. How humble ought man to be, who can not make a single spire of grass.
4. The top or uppermost point of a thing. – Shak.