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.). lick (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. shapable adj. (also shapeable). shaped adj. (also in comb.). shaper n.
[ OE gesceap creation f. Gmc ]