[shape] vb shaped ; shap.ing [ME, alter. of OE scieppan; akin to OHG skepfen to shape] vt (bef. 12c) 1: form, create; esp: to give a particular form or shape to
2. obs: ordain, decree
3: to adapt in shape so as to fit neatly and closely "a dress shaped to her figure"
4. a: devise, plan b: to embody in definite form "shaping a folktale into an epic"
5. a: to make fit for (as a particular use or purpose): adapt b: to determine or direct the course or character of (as life) c: to modify (behavior) by rewarding changes that tend toward a desired response ~ vi 1: happen, befall
2: to take on or approach a mature or definite form--often used with up -- shap.er n
[2]shape n (bef. 12c) 1 a: the visible makeup characteristic of a particular item or kind of item b (1): spatial form or contour (2): a standard or universally recognized spatial form
2: the appearance of the body as distinguished from that of the face: figure 3 a: phantom, apparition b: assumed appearance: guise
4: form of embodiment
5: a mode of existence or form of being having identifying features
6: something having a particular form 7: the condition in which someone or something exists at a particular time "the car was in fine ~" -- shaped adj -- in shape : in an original, normal, or fit condition "exercises to keep in shape"