Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SUS-PENSE', n. [suspens'; L. suspensus.]

1. A state of uncertainty; indetermination; indecision. A man's mind is in suspense, when it is balancing the weight of different arguments or considerations, or when it is uncertain respecting facts unknown, or events not in his own power. Ten days the prophet in suspense remain'd. – Denham.
2. Stop; cessation for a time. A cool suspense from pleasure or from pain. – Pope.
3. In law, suspension; a temporary cessation of a man's right; as when the rent or other profits of land cease by unity of possession of land and rent.