ASH'ES, 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 .
I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes. Job 42 .
The King James Bible has stood its ground for nearly 400 years. However, during that time the English language has changed, and with it the meanings of some words it used. Here are more than 6,500 words whose definitions have changed since 1611.Wikipedia
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