Emily Dickinson Lexicon

MAR-TYR, n. [Gr. μαρτυρ, a witness.]

1. One who, by his death, bears witness to the truth of the Gospel. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. To be a martyr, signifies only to witness the truth of Christ. South.
2. One who suffers death in defense of any cause. We say, a man dies a martyr to his political principles, or to the cause of liberty.