Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DAWN, v.i. [Sax. dagian; G. tagen; D. daagen; Sw. dagas; from the root of day, which see. The primary sense is to shoot, as rays; hence, to open or expand, to shine. We observe in this word, the n of the Saxon infinitive is retained.]

1. To begin to grow light in the morning; to grow light; as, the day dawns; the morning dawns. It began to dawn toward the first day of the week. – Matth. xxviii.
2. To begin to open or expand; to begin to show intellectual light, or knowledge; as, the genius of the youth begins to dawn. When life awakes and dawns at every line. – Pope.
3. To glimmer obscurely. – Locke.
4. To begin to open or appear. – Dryden.