Emily Dickinson Lexicon

VES'SEL, n. [It. vasello, from vaso, a vase or vessel; Fr. vaisseau; Sp. vasija; from L. vas, vasis. This word is probably the English vat, in a different dialect; G. fass, a vat; gefäss, a vessel; fassen, to hold; allied probably to fast, fasten. The Sp. vasija is from the Latin; but the Spanish has also baxel, a general name of all floating buildings; probably of Celtic origin.]

1. A cask or utensil proper for holding liquors and other things, as a tun, a pipe, a puncheon, a hogshead, a barrel, a firkin, a bottle, a kettle, a cup, a dish, &c.
2. In anatomy, any tube or canal, in which the blood and other humors are contained, secreted or circulated, as the arteries, veins, lymphatics, spermatics, &c. – Cyc.
3. In the physiology of plants, a canal or tube of very small bore, in which the sap is contained and conveyed; also, a bag or utricle, with pulp, and serving as a reservoir for sap; also, a spiral canal, usually of a larger bore. – Martyn. Grew.
4. Any building used in navigation, which carries masts and sails, from the largest ship of war down to a fishing sloop. In general, however, vessel is used for the smaller ships, brigs, sloops, schooners, luggers, scows, &c. – Mar. Dict.
5. Something containing. – Milton. Vessels of wrath, in Scripture, are such persons as are to receive the full effects of God's wrath and indignation, as a punishment for their sins. Vessels of mercy, are persons who are to receive the effects of God's mercy, or future happiness and glory. Chosen vessels, ministers of the Gospel, as appointed to bear the glad news of salvation to others; called also earthen vessels, on account of their weakness and frailty.