Emily Dickinson Lexicon

VAL'ID, a. [Fr. valide; L. validus, from valeo, to be strong. The primary sense of the root is to strain or stretch.]

1. Having sufficient strength or force; founded in truth; sound; just; good that can be supported; not weak or defective; as, a valid reason; a valid argument; a valid objection.
2. Having legal strength or force; efficacious; executed with the proper formalities; that can not be rightfully overthrown or set aside; supportable by law or right; as, a valid deed; a valid covenant; a valid instrument of any kind; a valid claim or title; a valid marriage.
3. Strong; powerful; in a literal sense; as, valid arms. [Not in use.]