Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DE-CAY', n.

1. Gradual failure of health, strength, soundness, prosperity, or any species of excellence or perfection; decline to a worse or less perfect state; tendency toward dissolution or extinction; a state of depravation or diminution. Old men feel the decay of the body. We perceive the decay of the faculties in age. We lament the decay of virtue and patriotism in the state. The northern nations invaded the Roman Empire, when in a state of decay.
2. Declension from prosperity; decline of fortune. If thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen into decay. – Lev. xxv.
3. Cause of decay. [Not usual.] He that plots to be the only figure among ciphers, is the decay of the whole age. – Bacon.