Em-bälm', v. t.
(em-bäm'), v. t. [imp. & p. p. EMBALMED; p. pr. & vb. n. EMBALMING.] [O. Fr. embasmer, N. Fr. embaumer, from O. Fr. basme, bausme, now baume, balm, q. v.; Sp. embalsamar, It. imbalsamare.]
Sense 1. To anoint with balm; especially, to preserve from decay by means of balm or other aromatic oils, or spices; to keep from putrefaction, as a dead body.
Joseph commanded his servants, the physicians, to embalm his father; and the physicians embalmed Israel. Gen. l. 2.
Sense 2. To fill with sweet odor; to perfume. “With fresh dews embalmed the earth.” Milton.
Sense 3. To perpetuate in grateful remembrance; to cherish tenderly the memory of.
Those tears eternal that embalm the dead. Pope.