Emily Dickinson Lexicon

MU-NI'TION, n. [Fr. from L. munitio, from munio, to fortify. The primary sense is that which is set or fixed, or that which defends, drives back or hinders. Indeed, both senses may be from the same root, Heb. and Ch. מנע, Ar. مَنَعَ manaa, or Heb. אמן amen. Class Mn, No. 10, 12.]

1. Fortification. [Obs.] Hale.
2. Ammunition; whatever materials are used in war for defence, or for annoying an enemy. The word includes guns of all kinds, mortars, &c. and their loading.
3. Provisions of a garrison or fortress, or for ships of war and in general for an army; stores of all kinds for a fort an army or navy. Munition-ships, ships which convey military and naval store of any kind, and attend or follow a fleet to supply ships of war.