flesh

flesh [flesh]

n.

[ME < OE flæsc, akin to Ger fleisch < ? IE base * plēk-, to tear off > FLAY]

1.

a) the soft substance of the body (of a person or animal) between the skin and the bones; esp., the muscular tissue

b) the surface or skin of the body [to feel one's flesh crawl]

2. the flesh of any animal as food; meat; esp., meat other than fish or fowl

3. the pulpy or edible part of fruits and vegetables

4. the human body, as distinguished from the soul [more than flesh can bear]

5. human nature, esp. in its sensual aspect

6. all living beings, esp. all humankind

7. kindred or relatives: now mainly in one's (own) flesh and blood: see phrase at FLESH AND BLOOD

8. the typical color of a white person's skin; yellowish pink

9. Informal plumpness; fat [you've been putting on flesh]

vt.

1. to feed (animals) with flesh so as to incite them to hunt or kill

2. to prepare for or incite to bloodshed, etc. by a foretaste

3. to harden; inure

4. to plunge (a weapon) into flesh

5. to put flesh on; fatten

6. to fill out as if with flesh; realize or make full, as by the addition of details: usually with out

7. to remove flesh from (a hide)

vi.

to grow fleshy or fat: usually with out or up

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in the flesh

1. alive

2. actually present; in person

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☆ press the flesh

Informal to shake hands or embrace, mingle, etc. effusively in crowds, esp. in politicking