DICKINSON, EMILY, an American poet; born in Amherst, Mass., Dec. 10, 1830. Living the life of a recluse, she wrote much verse in forms peculiar to herself. In 1892 a collection of her poems was issued which received warm praise from competent critics. In all, three volumes of her verse and prose have appeared. She died in Amherst, May 15, 1886.