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.
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            Joseph commanded his servants, the physicians, to
            embalm ?is father; and the physicians embalmed
            Israel.                               --Gem. l. 2.
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   2. To fill or imbue with sweet odor; to perfume.
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            With fresh dews embalmed the earth.   --Milton.
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   3. To preserve from decay or oblivion as if with balm; to
      perpetuate in remembrance.
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            Those tears eternal that embalm the dead. --Pope.
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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.)