ashen meaning: definition, etymology

ashen

adj

/ˈæʃ.ən/ · [ˈæʃ.ən] ~ [ˈæʃ.n̩]

Etymology From Middle English asshen, aisshen, esscen, from Old English æsċen (“made of ashwood”), equivalent to ash + -en (“made or consisting of”). Cognate with Scots aschin, eschin (“ashen”).

Made from the wood of the ash-tree.

An ashen bow and quiver of arrows beside.

Derived terms: ashenly, ashenness

ashen

verb

Etymology From ash + -en (verbal suffix).

Ambitransitive To turn into ash; make or become ashy

Ambitransitive To make or become pale

ashen

adj

Etymology From Middle English asshen, axen (“ash-colored; pale; lifeless”). By surface analysis, ash + -en (“made or consisting of”).

Of or resembling ashes.

A fine, ashen dust hung in the air.

Ash-colored; pale; anemic

His ashen face belied his claims of good health.

Appalled; upset.

Synonyms: ashy, cineraceous, cinereous
Derived terms: ashen-faced, ashen knight

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.