Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CON-CERN', a.

1. That which relates or belongs to one; business; affair; a very general term, expressing whatever occupies the time and attention, or affects the interests of a person. Intermeddle not in the private concerns of a family. Religion is the main concern of a rational being. We have no concern in the private quarrels of our neighbors. The industrious and prudent occupy their time with their own concerns.
2. Interest; importance; moment; that which affects the welfare or happiness; as, to live in peace, is a matter of no small concern to a nation. Mysterious secrets of a high concern, / And weighty truths, solid convincing sense, / Explained by unaffected eloquence. – Roscommon.
3. Affection; regard; careful regard; solicitude; anxiety; as, why all this concern for the poor things of this life? O Marcia, let me hope thy kind concerns, / And gentle wishes, follow me to battle. – Addison. An impenitent man feels no concern for his soul. – Anon.
4. Persons connected in business, or their affairs in general; as, a debt due to the whole concern; a loss affecting the whole concern. Mercantile Usage.