Flesh

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.] 1. The aggregate of the muscles, fat, and other tissues which cover the framework of bones in man and other animals; especially, the muscles. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

2. Animal food, in distinction from vegetable; meat; especially, the body of beasts and birds used as food, as distinguished from {fish}. [1913 Webster]

With roasted flesh, or milk, and wastel bread. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

3. The human body, as distinguished from the soul; the corporeal person. [1913 Webster]

As if this flesh, which walls about our life, Were brass impregnable. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

4. The human eace; mankind; humanity. [1913 Webster]

All flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. --Gen. vi. 12. [1913 Webster]

5. Human nature: (a) In a good sense, tenderness of feeling; gentleness. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

6. Kindred; stock; race. [1913 Webster]

He is our brother and our flesh. --Gen. xxxvii. 27. [1913 Webster]

7. The soft, pulpy substance of fruit; also, that part of a root, fruit, and the like, which is fit to be eaten. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

{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. [1913 Webster]