Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DO, v.i.

1. To act or behave, in any manner, well or ill; to conduct one's self. They fear not the Lord, neither do they after the law and commandment. – 2 Kings xvii.
2. To fare; to be in a state with regard to sickness or health. We asked him how he did. How do you do, or how do you? How dost thou? – Shak.
3. To succeed; to accomplish a purpose. We shall do without him. Will this plan do? – Addison. Also, to fit; to be adapted; to answer the design; with for; as, this piece of timber will do for the corner post; this tenon will do for the mortise; the road is repaired and will do for the present. To have to do with, to have concern or business with; to deal with. Have little to do with jealous men. Also, to have carnal commerce with. Do is used for a verb to save the repetition of it. I shall probably come, but if I do not, you must not wait; that is, if I do not come, if I come not. Do is also used in the imperative, to express an urgent request or command; as, do come; help me, do; make haste, do. In this case, do is uttered with emphasis. As an auxiliary, do is used in asking questions. Do you intend to go? Does he wish me to come? Do is also used to express emphasis. She is coquetish, but still I do love her. Do is sometimes a mere expletive. This just reproach their virtue does excite. – Dryden. Expletives their feeble aid do join. – Pope. [The latter use of do is nearly obsolete.] Do is sometimes used by way of opposition; as, I did love him, but he has lost my affections.