Emily Dickinson Lexicon

COV'ET, v.t. [Fr. convoiter, to covet; Norm. coveitant, covetous; covetise, greediness; W. cybyz, a covetous man; cybyzu, to covet. The Welsh word is pronounced cybythu; and cy has the power of con, and may be a contraction of it. The last constituent part of the word coincides in elements with the Latin peto, and more nearly with the Gr. ποθεω, to desire.]

1. To desire or wish for, with eagerness; to desire earnestly to obtain or possess; in a good sense. Covet earnestly the best gifts.v1 Cor. xii.
2. To desire inordinately; to desire that which it is unlawful to obtain or possess; in a bad sense. Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, wife or servant. – Ex. xx.