English edit

Etymology edit

flesh +‎ -ling

Noun edit

fleshling (plural fleshlings)

  1. (fantasy, science fiction, derogatory) A creature made of flesh; a human being.
  2. (obsolete) A person devoted to sensual pursuits.
    • 1548, Robert Crowley, “Shaxton. The .xiii. Article”, in The confutation of the xiii articles [of] Nicolas Shaxton:
      [] theyr entente was to set forthe the iustice of God, whych is to rewarde the spirituall [] wyth the blessynges promised, & the fleshlynges (the reprobate) with the plages thretned []
    • c. 1605, John Davies, “Be not ielous ouer the wife of thy bozome [] Ecclus. 9. 1.”, in Wittes pilgrimage:
      But ô fraile Fleshlings, Husbands, Hard-heads, Bawdes, / Note but the end of your laciuious Match []
    • 1623, Thomas Scott, Digitvs Dei, page 3:
      But the word of our Sauiour, though it be the Gospel of peace, is yet a Fire that inflames, a Sword that deuides. It aimes at another peace then worldlings and fleshlings dreame of ; they cast their eyes vpon peace with men, this teacheth a peace with God;