Emily Dickinson Lexicon

GEN'ER-AL, n.

1. The whole; the total; that which comprehends all or the chief part; opposed to particular. In particulars our knowledge begins, and so spreads itself by degrees to generals. Locke. A history painter paints man in general. Reynolds.
2. In general, in the main; for the most part; not always or universally. I have shown that he excels, in general, under each of these heads. Addison.
3. The chief commander of an army. But to distinguish this officer from other generals, he is often called general in chief. The officer second in rank is called lieutenant general.
4. The commander of a division of an army or militia, usually called a major general.
5. The commander of a brigade, called a brigadier general.
6. A particular beat of drum or march, being that which, in the morning, gives notice for the infantry to be in readiness to march. Encyc.
7. The chief of an order of monks, or of all the houses or congregations established under the same rule. Encyc.
8. The public; the interest of the whole; the vulgar. [Not in use.] Shak.