Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CON-VULSE', v.t. [convuls'; L. convello, convulsum, convulsus; con and vello, to pull or pluck.]

1. To draw or contract, as the muscular parts of an animal body; to affect by irregular spasms; as, the whole frame may be convulsed by agony.
2. To shake; to affect by violent irregular action. Convulsing heaven and earth. – Thomson.