Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Asleep \A*sleep"\, a. & adv. [Pref. a- + sleep.]
   1. In a state of sleep; in sleep; dormant.

            Fast asleep the giant lay supine.     --Dryden.

            By whispering winds soon lulled asleep. --Milton.

   2. In the sleep of the grave; dead.

            Concerning them which are asleep . . . sorrow not,
            even as others which have no hope.    --1 Thess. iv.
                                                  13.

   3. Numbed, and, usually, tingling. --Udall.

            Leaning long upon any part maketh it numb, and, as
            we call it, asleep.                   --Bacon.

Source : WordNet®

asleep
     adj 1: in a state of sleep; "were all asleep when the phone rang";
            "fell asleep at the wheel" [syn: {asleep(p)}] [ant: {awake(p)}]
     2: lacking sensation; "my foot is asleep"; "numb with cold"
        [syn: {asleep(p)}, {benumbed}, {numb}]
     3: dead; "he is deceased"; "our dear departed friend" [syn: {asleep(p)},
         {at peace(p)}, {at rest(p)}, {deceased}, {departed}, {gone}]
     adv 1: into a sleeping state; "he fell asleep"
     2: in the sleep of death