Webster's 1828 Dictionary
ASHES
n.plu. Without the singular number. 1. The earthy particles of combustible substances remaining after combustion; as of wood or coal.
2. The remains of the human body when burnt. Hence figuratively, a dead body or corpse.
3. In scripture, ashes is used to denote vileness, meanness, frailty, or humiliation.
I who am but dust and ashes. Genesis 18:27.
I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes. Job 42:6.
Webster's 1913 Dictionary
ASHES
Ash "es, n. pl. Etym: [OE. asche, aske, AS. asce, æsce, 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.
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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