fleshly

[ flesh-lee ]

adjective

, flesh·li·er, flesh·li·est.

1. of or relating to the flesh or body; bodily, corporeal, or physical.
2. carnal; sensual:

   fleshly pleasures.

3. worldly, rather than spiritual.
4. having a sensuous quality:

   the fleshly poetry of the 17th century.

5. Obsolete. having much flesh; fleshy.

fleshly

/ ˈflɛʃlɪ /

adjective

1. relating to the body, esp its sensual nature; carnal

   fleshly desire

2. worldly as opposed to spiritual
3. fleshy; fat

Derived Forms

• ˈfleshliness, noun

Other Words From

• fleshli·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of fleshly¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English flǣsclic. See flesh, -ly

Synonym Study

See carnal.

Example Sentences

The sound of them is sweet to the fleshly ears of the body; but to the ears of the spirit they can say marvellous things.

From Project Gutenberg

This being is compound, having a fleshly and a spiritual side.

From Project Gutenberg

His red face grew redder still, his talk suddenly ceased, and an ugly scowl gathered on his fleshly brow.

From Project Gutenberg

He reinforces the soul with the fear and love of God, and gives it power, complete power, over the fleshly appetites.

From Project Gutenberg

I take My part in that end!for the souls of mankind are not done with when they leave their fleshly tenements!

From Project Gutenberg