Emily Dickinson Lexicon

MESS, n. [In Fr. mets is a mess of meat, perhaps meat. In Goth. mes is a dish, Ir. meis. In Sax. mese is a table, Sp. mesa, L. mensa. But mets, mess, is probably a different word.]

1. A dish or a quantity of food prepared or set on a table at one time; as, a mess of pottage; a mess of herbs; a mess of broth. Milton. Pope.
2. A medley; a mixed mass; a quantity.
3. As much provender or grain as is given to a beast at once.
4. A number of persons who eat together; among seamen and soldiers.