Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CORD, n. [W. cord; Fr. corde; It. corda; Sp. cuerda; D. koord; L. chorda; Gr. χορδη. According to the Welsh, this word signifies a twist, from côr, the root of chorus.]

1. A string, or small rope, composed of several strands twisted together. Rahab let down the spies by a cord through the window. Josh. ii.
2. A quantity of wood or other material, originally measured with a cord or line. The cord is a pile containing 128 cubic feet; or a pile eight feet long, four feet high, and four feet broad.
3. In Scripture the cords of the wicked are the snares with which they catch the unwary. – Ps. cxxix. The cords of sin are bad habits, or the consequences of sin. – Prov. v. The cords of a man are the fair, gentle or natural means of alluring men to obedience. – Hos. xi. The cords of vanity are worldly vanities and pleasures, profit or preferment; or vain and deceitful arguments and pretenses, which draw men to sin. – Is. v. To stretch a line or cord about a city, is to level it, or utterly to destroy it. – Lam. ii. The cords of a tent denote stability. To loosen or break the cords, is to weaken or destroy; to lengthen the cords, is to enlarge. – Job xxx. Is. liv. Jer. x.