ʃeɪp n. & v. --n. 1
the total effect produced by the outlines of a
thing. 2 the
external form or
appearance of a
person or thing. 3 a
specific form or
guise. 4 a
description or
sort or
way (not on
offer in
any shape or form). 5 a
definite or
proper arrangement (must
get our ideas
into shape). 6 a
condition, as qualified in
some way (in
good shape; in
poor shape). b (when unqualified) good condition (back in shape). 7 a person or thing as
seen,
esp. indistinctly or in the
imagination (a shape emerged
from the mist). 8 a mould or
pattern. 9 a
jelly etc. shaped in a mould. 10 a
piece of
material,
paper,
etc.,
made or
cut in a
particular form. --v. 1 tr.
give a
certain shape or form
to;
fashion,
create. 2 tr. (foll. by to)
adapt or
make conform. 3 intr. give signs of a
future shape or
development. 4 tr.
frame mentally;
imagine. 5 intr.
assume or
develop into a shape. 6 tr.
direct (one's
life,
course, etc.). ølick (or knock) into shape make
presentable or
efficient. shape up 1
take a (specified) form. 2
show promise; make good
progress. shape up well be
promising. øøshapable adj. (also shapeable). shaped adj. (also in comb.). shaper n. [OE gesceap
creation f. Gmc]
