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Definition of 'Embalming'

From: GCIDE

Embalm \Em*balm"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Embalmed; p. pr. & vb. n. Embalming.] [F. embaumer; pref. em- (L. in) + baume balm. See Balm.]
1. To anoint all over with balm; especially, to preserve from decay by means of balm or other aromatic oils, or spices; to fill or impregnate (a dead body), with aromatics and drugs that it may resist putrefaction. [1913 Webster]
Joseph commanded his servants, the physicians, to embalm ?is father; and the physicians embalmed Israel. --Gem. l. 2. [1913 Webster]
2. To fill or imbue with sweet odor; to perfume. [1913 Webster]
With fresh dews embalmed the earth. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
3. To preserve from decay or oblivion as if with balm; to perpetuate in remembrance. [1913 Webster]
Those tears eternal that embalm the dead. --Pope. [1913 Webster]

Embalming the process of preserving a body by means of aromatics (Gen. 50:2, 3, 26). This art was practised by the Egyptians from the earliest times, and there brought to great perfection. This custom probably originated in the belief in the future reunion of the soul with the body. The process became more and more complicated, and to such perfection was it carried that bodies embalmed thousands of years ago are preserved to the present day in the numberless mummies that have been discovered in Egypt.
The embalming of Jacob and Joseph was according to the Egyptian custom, which was partially followed by the Jews (2 Chr. 16:14), as in the case of king Asa, and of our Lord (John 19:39, 40; Luke 23:56; 24:1). (See PHARAOH.)