Noun

1. The physical structure of a human or animal seen as one single organism.

   I saw them walking from a distance, their bodies strangely angular in the dawn light.

2. The fleshly or corporeal nature of a human, as opposed to the spirit or soul.

   The body is driven by desires, but the soul is at peace.

3. A corpse.

   Her body was found at four o'clock, just two hours after the murder.

4. The torso, the main structure of a human or animal frame excluding the extremities (limbs, head, tail).

   The boxer took a blow to the body.

5. The largest or most important part of anything, as distinct from its appendages or accessories.

   The bumpers and front tyres were ruined, but the body of the car was in remarkable shape.

6. The section of a dress extending from the neck to the waist, excluding the arms.

   Penny was in the scullery, pressing the body of her new dress.

7. A person.
   • 1749, Henry Fielding, Tom Jones, Folio Society 1973, p. 463:

     Indeed, if it belonged to a poor body, it would be another thing; but so great a lady, to be sure, can never want it [...]

8. An organisation, company or other authoritative group.

   The local train operating company is the managing body for this section of track.

9. A group of men or people having a common purpose or opinion; a mass.

   I was escorted from the building by a body of armed security guards.

10. A unified collection of details, knowledge or information.

    We have now amassed a body of evidence which points to one conclusion.

11. Any physical object or material thing.

    All bodies are held together by internal forces.

12. Substance; physical presence.

    We have given body to what was just a vague idea.

13. Comparative viscosity, solidity or substance (in wine, colours etc.).

    The rioja, sadly, lacked body.

14. The code of a subroutine, contrasted to its signature and parameters.^W