Emily Dickinson Lexicon

MUCH, adv.

1. In a great degree; by far; qualifying adjectives of the comparative degree; as, much more, much stronger, much heavier, much more splendid, much higher. So we say, much less, much smaller, much less distinguished, much weaker, much finer.
2. To a great degree or extent; qualifying verbs and participles. Jonathan, Saul's son, delighted much in David. 1 Sam. xix. It is a night to be much observed. Ex. xii. The soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. Num. xxi. A much afflicted, much enduring man. Pope.
3. Often or long. Think much, speak little. Dryden.
4. Nearly. All left the world much as they found it. Temple.