Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CEN'TER, n. [Gr. κεντρον, a point, goad, or spur, from κεντεω, to prick; L. centrum; Fr. centre; Sp. centro; Port. and It. id.]

1. A point equally distant from the extremities of a line, figure or body; the middle point or place.
2. The middle or central object. In an army, the body of troops occupying the place in the line between the wings. In a fleet, the division between the van and rear of the line of battle, and between the weather division and lee, in the order of sailing. – Mar. Dict.
3. A single body or house. These institutions collected all authority into on center, kings, nobles and people. J. Adams. Center of gravity, in mechanics, the point about which all the parts of a body exactly balance each other. Center of motion, the point which remains at rest, while all the other parts of a body move round it. – Encyc.