Ashes (&unr_;), n. pl. [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.
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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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