Emily Dickinson Lexicon

HORN'ET, n. [Sax. hyrnet, hyrnete; G. horniss; D. horzel.]

An insect of the genus Vespa or wasp, the Vespa crabro. It is much larger and stronger than the wasp, and its sting gives severe pain. This insect constructs a nest of leaves or other substances which resemble brown paper of a light color. This is attached to the branches of trees, and often of the size of a half peck measure.