A History of Short Words

From the New York Times Crossword Puzzle

ASHES

Sun, 17 Dec '23
Barbecue leftovers
Sat, 30 Sep '23
Word on either side of "to"
Thu, 20 Apr '23
Word before and after "to," in a religious phrase
Fri, 13 Jan '23
Result of a firing?
Mon, 20 Sep '21
Volcanic emissions
Tue, 25 May '21
Reminder of an old flame?
Wed, 13 Jan '21
Grateful?