Emily Dickinson Lexicon

HOP, n. [D. hop; G. hopfen; probably hoop, from winding.]

A plant constituting the genus Humulus. The stalk or vine, which grows to a great length, is weak and requires to be supported. In growing, it climbs or winds round a pole or other support. This plant is of great importance in brewing, as it tends to preserve malt liquors, and renders them more salubrious. Encyc.