fleshly

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   relating to the physical body or to flesh rather than the mind or spirit

   The poem contrasts fleshly weakness with spiritual resolve.

2. 2
   adj

   relating to sensual, especially sexual, appetites or pleasures

   The preacher warned his listeners against fleshly temptations.

From Middle English fleschly, continuing Old English flaesclic, and later analyzed as flesh plus -ly. The contrast between the flesh and the spirit gave the word its long-standing religious and moral sense.

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