ashes

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. [ 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 ]