Emily Dickinson Lexicon

HOME, n. [Sax. ham; G. and D. heim; Sw. hem; Dan. hiem; Gr. κωμη; properly, a house, a close place or place of rest. Hence hamlet, Fr. hameau, Arm. hamell. The primary sense is probably to inclose, to cover, or to make fast. Derivatives in G. D. Sw. and Dan. signify secret, close; and we say, to bring home arguments, that is, press them close; to drive home a nail, &c. If the radical sense is close, it may be from the same root as Ar. كَمَي kamai, to cover. See Chimistry, and Class Gm, No. 7, 9, 20, 23.]

1. A dwelling-house; the house or place in which one resides. He was not at home. Then the disciples went away again to their own home. John xx. Home is the sacred refuge of our life. Dryden.
2. One's own country. Let affairs at home be well managed by the administration.
3. The place of constant residence; the seat. Flandria, by plenty, made the home of war. Prior.
4. The grave; death; or a future state. Man goeth to his long home. Eccles. xii.
5. The present state of existence. Whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord. 2 Cor. v. At home, at one's own house or lodgings. To be at home, to be conversant with what is familiar.