[shad.ow] n [ME shadwe, fr. OE sceaduw-, sceadu shade] (bef. 12c) 1: partial darkness or obscurity within a part of space from which rays from a source of light are cut off by an interposed opaque body
2: a reflected image
3: shelter from danger or observation
4. a: an imperfect and faint representation b: an imitation of something: copy
5: the dark figure cast upon a surface by a body intercepting the rays from a source of light
6: phantom
7. pl: dark 1a 8: a shaded or darker portion of a picture 9: an attenuated form or a vestigial remnant
10. a: an inseparable companion or follower b: one (as a spy or detective) that shadows 11: a small degree or portion: trace 12: a source of gloom or unhappiness 13 a: an area near an object: vicinity b: pervasive and dominant influence 14: a state of ignominy or obscurity -- shad.ow.less adj -- shad.ow.like adj
[2]shadow vt (bef. 12c) 1 archaic: shelter, protect
2: to cast a shadow upon: cloud 3 obs: to shelter from the sun
4. obs: conceal
5: to represent or indicate obscurely or faintly--often used with forth or out
6: to follow esp. secretly: trail
7. archaic: shade
5. ~ vi 1: to pass gradually or by degrees
2: to become overcast with or as if with shadows -- shad.ow.er n [3]shadow adj (1906) 1: of, relating to, or resembling a shadow cabinet "~ minister of defense"
2. a: having an indistinct pattern "~ plaid" b: having darker sections of design "~ lace"