v. & n.
v.tr. (past part. shaved or (as adj.) shaven) 1 remove (bristles or hair) from the face etc. with a razor. 2 (also absol.) remove bristles or hair with a razor from the face etc. of (a person) or (a part of the body). 3 a reduce by a small amount. b take (a small amount) away from. 4 cut thin slices from the surface of (wood etc.) to shape it. 5 pass close to without touching; miss narrowly.
n. 1 an act of shaving or the process of being shaved. 2 a close approach without contact. 3 a narrow miss or escape; = close shave (see CLOSE(1)). 4 a tool for shaving wood etc.
[ OE sc(e)afan (sense 4 of noun f. OE sceafa) f. Gmc ]