Found 1 items, similar to In sackcloth and ashes.
English → English (gcide) Definition: In sackcloth and ashes Ashes \Ash"es\, n. pl. [OE. asche, aske, AS. asce, [ae]sce, axe; akin to OHG. asca, G. asche, D. asch, Icel. & Sw. aska, Dan. aske, Goth. azgo.] 1. The earthy or mineral particles of combustible substances remaining after combustion, as of wood or coal. [1913 Webster] 2. Specifically: The remains of the human body when burnt, or when “returned to dust” by natural decay. [1913 Webster] Their martyred blood and ashes sow. --Milton. [1913 Webster] The coffins were broken open. The ashes were scattered to the winds. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster] 3. The color of ashes; deathlike paleness. [1913 Webster] The lip of ashes, and the cheek of flame. --Byron. [1913 Webster] In dust and ashes, In sackcloth and ashes, with humble expression of grief or repentance; -- from the method of mourning in Eastern lands. Volcanic ashes, or Volcanic ash, the loose, earthy matter, or small fragments of stone or lava, ejected by volcanoes. [1913 Webster]