In sackcloth and ashes
(gcide) | 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.
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2. Specifically: The remains of the human body when burnt, or
when "returned to dust" by natural decay.
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Their martyred blood and ashes sow. --Milton.
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The coffins were broken open. The ashes were
scattered to the winds. --Macaulay.
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3. The color of ashes; deathlike paleness.
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The lip of ashes, and the cheek of flame. --Byron.
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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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