The Collaborative International Dictionary
Flesh \Flesh\ (fl[e^]sh), n. [OE. flesch, flesc, AS. fl[=ae]sc; akin to OFries. fl[=a]sk, D. vleesch, OS. fl[=e]sk, OHG. fleisc, G. fleisch, Icel. & Dan. flesk lard, bacon, pork, Sw. fl["a]sk.]
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The aggregate of the muscles, fat, and other tissues which cover the framework of bones in man and other animals; especially, the muscles.
Note: 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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Animal food, in distinction from vegetable; meat; especially, the body of beasts and birds used as food, as distinguished from fish.
With roasted flesh, or milk, and wastel bread.
--Chaucer. -
The human body, as distinguished from the soul; the corporeal person.
As if this flesh, which walls about our life, Were brass impregnable.
--Shak. -
The human eace; mankind; humanity.
All flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth.
--Gen. vi. 12. -
Human nature:
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In a good sense, tenderness of feeling; gentleness.
There is no flesh in man's obdurate heart.
--Cowper. In a bad sense, tendency to transient or physical pleasure; desire for sensual gratification; carnality.
(Theol.) The character under the influence of animal propensities or selfish passions; the soul unmoved by spiritual influences.
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Kindred; stock; race.
He is our brother and our flesh.
--Gen. xxxvii. 2 -
7. The soft, pulpy substance of fruit; also, that part of a root, fruit, and the like, which is fit to be eaten.
Note: 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.
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 (Zo["o]l.), one of several species of flies whose larv[ae] 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 (Zo["o]l.), 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.
Usage examples of "flesh worm".
Her neck twisted too far and hard, her long bony shoulders thrown back, her flesh worm-white and her huge eyes open very wide, utterly emaciated, her breasts empty skin rags, her arms outstretched like twists of wire.