Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CLIFF, or CLIF, n. [Sax. clif, clyf; or cleof; D. klif, or klip; G. and Dan. klippe; Sw. klippa; W. clip; L. clivus; probably from cleaving, Sax. clifian, cleofian.]

1. A steep bank; as, the cliffs of Dover. So in Saxon, the cliffs of the Red Sea. Orosius, supposed by Alfred.
2. A high and steep rock; any precipice. – Bacon. Dryden. This word has been sometimes written clift, and if from cleaving, rending, coincides with cleft in origin.