Emily Dickinson Lexicon

MOR'TAL, a. [L. mortalis, from mors, death, or morior, to die, that is, to fall; W. marw; Fr. mourir; Arm. niervel; It. morire; Sp. morir. See Class Mr, No. 12, 14.]

1. Subject to death; destined to die. Man is mortal.
2. Deadly; destructive to life; causing death, or that must cause death; as, a mortal wound; mortal poison. The fruit / Of that forbidden tree whose mortal taste / Brought death into the world, and all our woe. Milton.
3. Bringing death; terminating life. Safe in the hand of one disposing power, Or in the natal or the mortal hour. Pope.
4. Deadly in malice or purpose; as, a mortal foe. In colloquial language, a mortal foe is an inveterate foe.
5. Exposing to certain death; incurring the penalty of death; condemned to be punished with death; not venial; as, a mortal sin.
6. Human; belonging to man who is mortal; as, mortal wit or knowledge; mortal power, The voice of God / To mortal ear is dreadful. Milton.
7. Extreme; violent. [Not elegant.] The nymph grew pale, and in a mortal fright. Dryden.