Emily Dickinson Lexicon

CORV'US, n. [L. corvus, a raven.]

1. In astronomy, a constellation of the southern hemisphere, containing nine stars.
2. A military engine or galley used by the Romans for boarding ships in war. It was a strong platform of boards at the prow, movable as on a spindle, and thrown over the side of the enemy's vessel when grappled. – Encyc.