n.

1. the entire structure of an organism (especially an animal or human being);
   organic structure, physical structure
   
   • he felt as if his whole body were on fire
2. a natural object consisting of a dead animal or person;
   dead body
   
   • they found the body in the lake
3. a group of persons associated by some common tie or occupation and regarded as an entity
   
   • the whole body filed out of the auditorium
4. the body excluding the head and neck and limbs;
   torso, trunk
   
   • they moved their arms and legs and bodies
5. an individual 3-dimensional object that has mass and that is distinguishable from other objects
   
   • heavenly body
6. a collection of particulars considered as a system
   
   • a body of law
   • a body of doctrine
   • a body of precedents
7. the external structure of a vehicle
   
   • the body of the car was badly rusted
8. the property of holding together and retaining its shape;
   consistency, consistence
   
   • when the dough has enough consistency it is ready to bake
9. the central message of a communication
   
   • the body of the message was short

v.

1. invest with or as with a body; give body to;
   personify