In sackcloth and ashes

In sackcloth and ashes
Ashes Ash"es, n. pl. [OE. asche, aske, AS. asce, [ae]sce, 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. [1913 Webster]

2. Specifically: The remains of the human body when burnt, or when ``returned to dust'' by natural decay. [1913 Webster]

Their martyred blood and ashes sow. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

The coffins were broken open. The ashes were scattered to the winds. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]

3. The color of ashes; deathlike paleness. [1913 Webster]

The lip of ashes, and the cheek of flame. --Byron. [1913 Webster]

{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. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • sackcloth and ashes — ► sackcloth and ashes an expression of extreme sorrow or remorse. [ORIGIN: with allusion to the wearing of sackcloth and having ashes sprinkled on the head as a sign of penitence or mourning (Gospel of Matthew, chapter 11).] Main Entry:… …   English terms dictionary

  • sackcloth and ashes — noun a display of extreme remorse or repentance or grief • Hypernyms: ↑display * * * used with allusion to the wearing of sackcloth and having ashes sprinkled on the head as a sign of penitence or mourning (Matt 11:21) * * * sackcloth and ashes… …   Useful english dictionary

  • sackcloth and ashes — slightly formal if you wear sackcloth and ashes, you show by your behaviour that you are very sorry for something you did wrong. I ve already apologized. How long must I wear sackcloth and ashes before you ll forgive me? …   New idioms dictionary

  • in sackcloth and ashes — phrasal : in a spirit of sorrow, repentance, or humility this, then, is an essay about education by a layman … and it is not written in sackcloth and ashes M.B.Smith * * * in sackcloth and ashes 1. Showing extreme regret, penitence, etc (often… …   Useful english dictionary

  • in sackcloth and ashes — wearing sackcloth and ashes I never thought I d live to see the day that Josie was wearing sackcloth and ashes Syn: penitent, contrite, regretful, sorrowful, rueful, remorseful, apologetic, ashamed, guilt ridden, chastened, shamefaced, guilty …   Thesaurus of popular words

  • wear sackcloth and ashes — If someone displays their grief or contrition publicly, they wear sackcloth and ashes …   The small dictionary of idiomes

  • wear sackcloth and ashes — phrase to behave in a way that shows you are extremely sorry about something that you did Thesaurus: to say or show that you are sorrysynonym Main entry: sackcloth …   Useful english dictionary

  • wear sackcloth and ashes —    If someone displays their grief or contrition publicly, they wear sackcloth and ashes.   (Dorking School Dictionary) …   English Idioms & idiomatic expressions

  • wearing sackcloth and ashes — See in sackcloth and ashes …   Thesaurus of popular words

  • Wear sackcloth and ashes —   If someone displays their grief or contrition publicly, they wear sackcloth and ashes …   Dictionary of English idioms

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