Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DALE, n. [Goth. dalei; Dan. and Sw. dal; G. thal; D. dal; W. dôl; Russ. dol, udol, and doline; allied perhaps to dell. The Welsh dôl signifies a winding, bend or meander, and a dale through which a river runs; a band, a ring, &c. In D. daalen signifies to descend, to sink.]

A low place between hills; a vale or valley: a poetic word.