Emily Dickinson Lexicon

STUD'Y, n. [Fr. etude; L. studium, from studeo, to study, that is, to set the thoughts or mind. See Assiduous. Studeo is connected with the English stud, stead.]

1. Literally, a setting of the mind or thoughts upon a subject; hence, application of mind to books, to arts or science, or to any subject, for the purpose of learning what is not before known. Hammond generally spent thirteen hours of the day is study. – Fell. Study gives strength to the mind; conversation, grace. – Temple.
2. Attention; meditation; contrivance. Just men they seem'd, and alt their study bent. To worship God aright and know his works. – Milton.
3. Any particular branch of learning that is studied. Let your studies be directed by some learned and judicious friend.
4. Subject of attention. The Holy Scriptures, especially the New Testament, are her daily study. – Law.
5. A building or an apartment devoted to study or to literary employment. – Clarendon. Dryden.
6. Deep cogitation; perplexity. [Little used.] – Bacon. Studies, preparatory sketches or exercises made by artists.