Emily Dickinson Lexicon

ME-MO'RI-AL, n.

1. That which preserves the memory of something; any thing that serves to keep in memory. A monument is a memorial of a deceased person, or of an event. The Lord's supper is a memorial of the death and sufferings of Christ. Churches have names; some as memorials of peace, some of wisdom, some of the Trinity. Hooker.
2. Any note or hint to assist the memory. Memorials written with King Edward's hand shall be the ground of this history. Hayward.
3. A written representation of facts, made to a legislative or other body as the ground of a petition, or a representation of facts accompanied with a petition.