WordNet Dictionary- [adj] of the appetites and passions of the body; "animal instincts"; "carnal knowledge"; "fleshly desire"; "a sensual delight in eating"; "music is the only sensual pleasure without vice"
- [adj] of or relating to or belonging to the body; "a bodily organ"; "bodily functions"; "carnal remains"
- [adj] of or relating to the body or flesh; "carnal remains"
Webster's 1913 Dictionary\Car"nal\, a. [L. carnalis, fr. caro, carnis, flesh; akin
to Gr. ?, Skr. kravya; cf. F. charnel, Of. also carnel. Cf.
{Charnel}.]
1. Of or pertaining to the body or its appetites; animal;
fleshly; sensual; given to sensual indulgence; lustful;
human or worldly as opposed to spiritual.
For ye are yet carnal. --1 Cor. iii.
3.
Not sunk in carnal pleasure. --Milton
Carnal desires after miracles. --Trench.
2. Flesh-devouring; cruel; ravenous; bloody. [Obs.]
This carnal cur Preys on the issue of his mother's
body. --Shak.
{Carnal knowledge}, sexual intercourse; -- used especially of
an unlawful act on the part of the man.
Easton Bible DictionaryUnconverted men are so called (1 Cor. 3:3). They are represented as of a "carnal mind, which is enmity against God" (Rom. 8:6, 7). Enjoyments that minister to the wants and desires of man's animal nature are so called (Rom. 15:27; 1 Cor. 9:11). The ceremonial of the Mosaic law is spoken of as "carnal," because it related to things outward, the bodies of men and of animals, and the purification of the flesh (Heb. 7:16; 9:10). The weapons of Christian warfare are "not carnal", that is, they are not of man's device, nor are wielded by human power (2 Cor. 10:4).
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