GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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Found 2 definitions

  1.       
    Flesh (flĕsh), n. [OE. flesch, flesc, AS. flǣsc; akin to OFries. flāsk, D. vleesch, OS. flēsk, OHG. fleisc, G. fleisch, Icel. & Dan. flesk lard, bacon, pork, Sw. fläsk.]
    1. The aggregate of the muscles, fat, and other tissues which cover the framework of bones in man and other animals; especially, the muscles.

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    ☞ In composition it is mainly proteinaceous, but contains in adition a large number of low-molecular-weight subtances, such as creatin, xanthin, hypoxanthin, carnin, etc. It is also rich in potassium phosphate.

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    2. Animal food, in distinction from vegetable; meat; especially, the body of beasts and birds used as food, as distinguished from fish.

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    With roasted flesh, or milk, and wastel bread. Chaucer.

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    3. The human body, as distinguished from the soul; the corporeal person.

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    As if this flesh, which walls about our life,

    Were brass impregnable. Shak.

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    4. The human eace; mankind; humanity.

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    All flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. Gen. vi. 12.

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    5. Human nature: (a) In a good sense, tenderness of feeling; gentleness.

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    There is no flesh in man's obdurate heart. Cowper.

    (b) In a bad sense, tendency to transient or physical pleasure; desire for sensual gratification; carnality. (c) (Theol.) The character under the influence of animal propensities or selfish passions; the soul unmoved by spiritual influences.

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    6. Kindred; stock; race.

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    He is our brother and our flesh. Gen. xxxvii. 27.

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    7. The soft, pulpy substance of fruit; also, that part of a root, fruit, and the like, which is fit to be eaten.

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    ☞ Flesh is often used adjectively or self-explaining compounds; as, flesh broth or flesh-broth; flesh brush or fleshbrush; flesh tint or flesh-tint; flesh wound.

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    After the flesh, after the manner of man; in a gross or earthly manner. “Ye judge after the flesh.” John viii. 15. -- An arm of flesh, human strength or aid. -- Flesh and blood. See under Blood. -- Flesh broth, broth made by boiling flesh in water. -- Flesh fly (Zool.), one of several species of flies whose larvæ or maggots feed upon flesh, as the bluebottle fly; -- called also meat fly, carrion fly, and blowfly. See Blowly. -- Flesh meat, animal food. Swift. -- Flesh side, the side of a skin or hide which was next to the flesh; -- opposed to grain side. -- Flesh tint (Painting), a color used in painting to imitate the hue of the living body. -- Flesh worm (Zool.), any insect larva of a flesh fly. See Flesh fly (above). -- Proud flesh. See under Proud. -- To be one flesh, to be closely united as in marriage; to become as one person. Gen. ii. 24.

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  2.       
    Flesh, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fleshed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Fleshing.]
    1. To feed with flesh, as an incitement to further exertion; to initiate; -- from the practice of training hawks and dogs by feeding them with the first game they take, or other flesh. Hence, to use upon flesh (as a murderous weapon) so as to draw blood, especially for the first time.

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    Full bravely hast thou fleshed

    Thy maiden sword. Shak.

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    The wild dog

    Shall flesh his tooth on every innocent. Shak.

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    2. To glut; to satiate; hence, to harden, to accustom. “Fleshed in triumphs.” Glanvill.

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    Old soldiers

    Fleshed in the spoils of Germany and France. Beau. & Fl.

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    3. (Leather Manufacture) To remove flesh, membrance, etc., from, as from hides.

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