The flesh in various ways was an idolatrous practice, a part of idol-worship (Deuteronomy 14:1; 1 Kings 18:28). The Israelites were commanded not to imitate this practice (Leviticus 19:28; 21:5; Deuteronomy 14:1). The tearing of the flesh from grief and anguish of spirit in mourning for the dead was regarded as a Mark of affection (Jeremiah 16:6; 41:5; 48:37).

Allusions are made in Revelation (13:16; 17:5; 19:20) to the practice of printing Marks on the body, to indicate allegiance to a deity. We find also references to it, through in a different direction, by Paul (Galatians 6; 7) and by Ezekiel (9:4). (see HAIR.)

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Cut.

2. (n.) The act or process of making an incision, or of severing, felling, shaping, etc.

3. (n.) Something cut, cut off, or cut out, as a twig or scion cut off from a stock for the purpose of grafting or of rooting as an independent plant; something cut out of a newspaper; an excavation cut through a hill or elsewhere to make a way for a railroad, canal, etc.; a cut.

4. (a.) Adapted to cut; as, a cutting tool.

5. (a.) Chilling; penetrating; sharp; as, a cutting wind.

6. (a.) Severe; sarcastic; biting; as, a cutting reply.