v. [On type of F. *carnifie-r, L. carnificā-re to execute: see CARNIFEX.] Hence Carnified, Carnifying ppl. a. and vbl. sb.
1. trans. To make or convert into flesh.
1643. Sir T. Browne, Relig. Med., I. § 37. 89. All these creatures … are but the herbs of the field digested into flesh in them, or more remotely carnified in our selves.
1826. Southey, Vind. Eccl. Angl., 415. The miraculous image, or carnified and bleeding host.
b. Pathol. To alter (bone or other tissue) so that it becomes of the structure of flesh: cf. CARNIFICATION 2. Chiefly passive. Also intr. To undergo this alteration.
1746. Amyand, in Phil. Trans., XLIV. 205. The Bone is carnified, that is, turned into Flesh.
1830. R. Knox, Béclard’s Anat., 158. The nails soften, carnify, become imperfect horny tissue.
1862. H. Fuller, Dis. Lungs, 11. The lung is carnified and reduced to a small inelastic mass.
† 2. trans. and intr. To generate flesh. Obs.
1639. T. de Grey, Compl. Horsem., 197. That the carnifying flesh may heale the better.
1677. Hale, Prim. Orig. Man., I. i. 31 (J.). In inferiour Faculties; I walk, I see, I hear, I digest, I sanguifie, I carnifie.
1704. Worlidge, Dict. Rust. et Urb., s.v. Burnings, Heal the Sore with your carnifying and healing Salves.
1829. Lond. Encycl., V. 174. To Carnify is to generate flesh.
† 3. ‘To quarter or cut in pieces…, to torment.’ Blount, Glossogr., 1656. [Only a Latinism.]
