Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CLEAN, a. [Sax. clæne; W. glan or glain; Ir. glan; Arm. glan. The primary sense seems to be, to open or to remove, to separate. In a general sense, free from extraneous matter, or whatever is injurious or offensive: hence its signification depends on the nature and qualities of the substances to which it is applied.]

1. Free from dirt, or other foul matter; as, clean water; a clean cup; a clean floor.
2. Free from weeds or stones; as, clean land; a clean garden or field.
3. Free from knots or branches; as, clean timber. In America, clear is generally used.
4. Free from moral impurity; innocent. Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? – Job xiv. Acts xviii.
5. Free from ceremonial defilement. – Lev. x. Numb. xix.
6. Free from guilt; sanctified; holy. – John xiii. Ps. li.
7. That might be eaten by the Hebrews. – Gen. vii. viii.
8. That might be used. – Luke xi.
9. Free from a foul disease; cured of leprosy. – 2 Kings v. Matth. viii.
10. Dextrous; adroit; not bungling; free from awkwardness; as, a clean feat; a clean boxer.
11. Free from infection; as, a clean ship. A clean bill of health is a certificate that a ship is clean, or free from infection.