Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CODE, n. [L. codex or caudex; Fr. code; It. codice; Sp. codigo. The Latin word signifies the stem of a tree, and a board, or number of boards united, on which accounts were kept. So the Greeks used σχεδη, a board, for a like purpose, from σχιζω, to cut or split; whence L. scheda, a sheet.]

1. A collection of the laws and constitutions of the Roman emperors, made by order of Justinian, containing twelve books. The name is also given to other collections of Roman laws; as, the Theodosian code. Hence in general,
2. Any collection or digest of laws. – Pope. Blackstone.