Emily Dickinson Lexicon

AD-VENT'URE, n. [Fr. aventure, from advenio. See Advent.]

1. Hazard; risk; chance; that of which one has no direction; as, at all adventures, that is, at all hazards. [See Venture.]
2. An enterprise of hazard; a bold undertaking, in which hazards are to be encountered, and the issue is staked upon unforeseen events. – Dryden.
3. That which is put to hazard; a sense in popular use with seamen, and usually pronounced venture. Something which a seaman is permitted to carry abroad, with a view to sell for profit. A bill of adventure, is a writing signed by a person, who takes goods on board of his ship, wholly at the risk of the owner. – Encyc.