Ash"es (&?;), n. pl. [OE. asche, aske, AS. asce, æsce, 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.
2. Specifically: The remains of the human body when burnt, or when "returned to dust" by natural decay.
Their martyred blood and ashes sow.
Milton.
The coffins were broken open. The ashes were scattered to the winds.
Macaulay.