Emily Dickinson Lexicon

AS-SEM'BLY, n. [Sp. asamblea; It. assamblea; Fr. assemblée.]

1. A company or collection of individuals, in the same place; usually for the same purpose.
2. A congregation or religious society convened.
3. In some of the United States, the legislature, consisting of different houses or branches, whether in session or not. In some states, the popular branch or House of Representatives is denominated an assembly. [See the constitution of the several states.]
4. A collection of persons for amusement; as, a dancing assembly.
5. A convocation, convention or council of ministers and ruling elders delegated from each presbytery; as, the General Assembly of Scotland or of the United States. – Encyc.
6. In armies, the second beating of the drum before a march, when the soldiers strike their tents. – Encyc.
7. An assemblage. [Not in use.] Primary Assembly, a meeting of the people or legal voters in a town or city, who appear and act on public business in person, and a majority of whose votes originate the supreme power in a state.