DICT.TW Dictionary Taiwan
Ash·es n. pl.
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.
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Ashes
The ashes of a red heifer burned entire (Num. 19:5) when
sprinkled on the unclean made them ceremonially clean (Heb.
9:13).
To cover the head with ashes was a token of self-abhorrence
and humiliation (2 Sam. 13:19; Esther 4:3; Jer. 6:26, etc.).
To feed on ashes (Isa. 44:20), means to seek that which will
prove to be vain and unsatisfactory, and hence it denotes the
unsatisfactory nature of idol-worship. (Comp. Hos. 12:1).