Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SPOIL, n. [L. spolium.]

1. That which is taken from others by violence; particularly in war, the plunder taken from an enemy; pillage; booty.
2. That which is gained by strength or effort. Each science and each art his spoil. – Bentley.
3. That which is taken from another without license. Gentle gales / Fanning their odoriferous wings, dispense / Native perfumes, and whisper whence they stole / Their balmy spoils. – Milton.
4. The act or practice of plundering; robbery; waste. The man that hath not music in himself, / Nor is not mov'd with concord of sweet sounds, / Is fit for treason, stratagems and spoils. – Shak.
5. Corruption; cause of corruption. Villainous company hath been the spoil of me. – Shak.
6. The slough or cast skin of a serpent or other animal. – Bacon.