Flesh

[A-S. flǽsc, O. Sax. flēsc, O. Fries. flāsc, O. H. Ger. fleisc, N. H. Ger. fleisch, D. fleesch; Icel. & Dan. flesk, lard, bacon, fat, Sw. fläsk; allied to Russ. ploti, flesh.]

1. The aggregate of muscles, fat, and other tissue which cover the framework of bones in man and other animals; especially, the muscles.
2. Animal food, in distinction from vegetable; meat; especially, the body of beasts and birds used as food, distinct from fish.

With roasted flesh, and milk, and wastel brede. Chaucer. 3. The human system; the body; the corporeal person. As if this flesh, which walls about our life, Were brass impregnable. Shak. 4. The human race; mankind; humanity. All flesh had corrupted his way upon the earth. Gen. vi. 12. 5. Human nature: (a.) In a good sense, tenderness of feeling; gentleness. There is no flesh in man's obdurate heart. Couper. (b.) In a bad sense, tendency to transient or physical pleasure; desire for sensual gratification; carnality. (c.) (Theol.) The character under the influence of animal propensities or selfish passions; the soul uninfluenced by spiritual influences. 6. Kindred; stock; race. He is our brother and our flesh. Gen. xxxvii. 27. 7. The soft, pulpy substance of fruit; also, that part of a root, fruit, &c., which is fit to be eaten. An arm of flesh, human strength or aid.—Flesh and blood, the entire body; man in his physical personality.