Emily Dickinson Lexicon

TROUGH, n. [trauf; Sax. trog; D. and G. trog; Dan. trug; It. truogo.]

1. A vessel hollow longitudinally, or a large log or piece of timber excavated longitudinally on the upper side; used for various purposes.
2. A tray. [This is the same word dialectically altered.]
3. A canoe; the rude boat of uncivilized men. Abbot.
4. The channel that conveys water, as in mills. The trough of the sea, the hollow between waves.