Emily Dickinson Lexicon

FLESH, n. [Sax. flæc, flec, or flæsc; G. fleisch; D. vleesch; Dan. flesk. In Danish, the word signifies the flesh of swine. I know not the primary sense; it may be soft.]

1. A compound substance forming a large part of an animal, consisting of the softer solids, as distinguished from the bones and the fluids. Under the general appellation of flesh, we include the muscles, fat, glands, &c., which invest the bones and are covered with the skin. It is sometimes restricted to the muscles.
2. Animal food, in distinction from vegetable. Flesh without being qualitied with acids, is too alkalescent a diet. Arbuthnot.
3. The body of beasts and fowls used as food, distinct from fish. In Lent, the Papists abstain from flesh, but eat fish.
4. The body, as distinguished from the soul. As if this flesh, which walls about our life, / Were brass impregnable. – Shak.
5. Animal nature; animals of all kinds. The end of all flesh is come before me. – Gen. vi.
6. Men in general; mankind. My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh. – Gen. vi.
7. Human nature. The word was made flesh, and dwelt among us. – John i.
8. Carnality; corporeal appetites. Fasting serves to mortify the flesh. – Smalridge. The flesh lusteth against the spirit. – Gal. v.
9. A carnal state; a state of unrenewed nature. They that are in the flesh can not please God. – Rom. viii.
10. The corruptible body of man, or corrupt nature. Flesh and blood can not inherit the kingdom of God. – 1 Cor. xv.
11. The present life; the state of existence in this world. To abide in the flesh is more needful for you. – Phil. i.
12. Legal righteousness, and ceremonial services. What shall we then say that Abraham, our father as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? – Rom. iv. Gal. iii.
13. Kindred; stock; family. He is our brother, and our flesh. – Gen. xxxvii.
14. In botany, the soft pulpy substance of fruit; also, that part of a root, fruit, &c., which is fit to be eaten. One flesh, denotes intimate relation. To be one flesh, is to be closely united, as in marriage. – Gen. ii. Eph. v. After the flesh, according to outward appearances, John viii: – Or according to the common powers of nature. Gal. iv: – Or according to sinful lusts and inclinations. Rom. viii. An arm of flesh, human strength or aid.