Emily Dickinson Lexicon

COACH, n. [Fr. coche; Arm. coich; It. cocchio, a coach or coach-box; Sp. coche, a coach and a coasting-barge; Port. coche; D. koets, a coach and a couch; G. kutsche. This word seems to be radically a couch or bed, (Fr. couche, coucher,) a covered bed on wheels, for conveying the infirm.]

A close vehicle for commodious traveling, borne on four wheels, and drawn by horses or other animals. It differs from a chariot in having seats in front, as well as behind. It is a carriage of state, or for pleasure, or for traveling. Hackney-coach, a coach kept for hire. In some cities, they are licensed by authority, and numbered, and the rates of fare fixed by law. Mail-coach, a coach that carries the public mails. Stage-coach, a coach that regularly conveys passengers from town to town. [See Stage.]