Emily Dickinson Lexicon

MIN'IA-TURE, n. [It. and Sp. miniatura, from It. miniare, supra; Fr. miniature.]

1. A painting in water colors on vellum, ivory or paper, with points or dots; sometimes in oil colors. The term is usually applied to portraits painted on a very small scale.
2. A picture or representation in a small compass, or less than the reality. Encyc.
3. Red letter; rubric distinction. Hickes.