Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CARD, n.¹ [Fr. carte; Sp. Port. and It. carta; L. charta; Gr. χαρυης; D. kaart; G. karte; Dan. kort; Ir. cairt; perhaps from bark, L. cortex, Ir. coirt or cairt, or the same root.]

1. A paper or pasteboard of an oblong figure, on which are painted figures or points; used in games.
2. A blank piece of paper, or the like paper with some writing upon it, used in messages of civility, or business.
3. The paper on which the points of the compass are marked. Reason the card, but passion is the gale. – Pope.