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.).
Phrases and idioms:
lick (or knock) into shape make presentable or efficient. shaSHAPE - abbr. Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe. pe up 1 take a (specified) form.
2 show promise; make good progress. shape up well be promising.
Derivatives:
shapable adj. (also shapeable). shaped adj. (also in comb.). shaper n.
Etymology: OE gesceap creation f. Gmc;