Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Ashes
Ash′es
,Noun.
pl.
[OE.
asche
, aske
, AS. asce
, æsce
, axe
; akin to OHG. asca
, G. asche
, D. asch
, Icel. & Sw. aska
, Dan. aske
, Goth. azgo
.] 1.
The earthy or mineral particles of combustible substances remaining after combustion, as of wood or coal.
2.
Specifically: The remains of the human body when burnt, or when “returned to dust” by natural decay.
Their martyred blood and
ashes
sow. Milton.
The coffins were broken open. The
ashes
were scattered to the winds. Macaulay.
3.
The color of ashes; deathlike paleness.
The lip of
ashes
, and the cheek of flame. Byron.
In dust and ashes
, In sackcloth and ashes
with humble expression of grief or repentance; – from the method of mourning in Eastern lands.
– Volcanic ashes
, or Volcanic ash
the loose, earthy matter, or small fragments of stone or lava, ejected by volcanoes.
Webster 1828 Edition
Ashes
ASH'ES
,Noun.
plu.
1.
The earthy particles of combustible substances remaining after combustion; as of wood or coal.2.
The remains of the human body when burnt. Hence figuratively, a dead body or corpse.3.
In scripture, ashes is used to denote vileness, meanness, frailty, or humiliation.I who am but dust and ashes. Gen 18.
I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes. Job 42.