/shay"keuhr/ , n.
1. a person or thing that shakes.
2. a container with a perforated top from which a seasoning, condiment, sugar, flour, or the like is shaken onto food.
3. any of various containers for shaking beverages to mix the ingredients: a cocktail shaker.
4. a dredger or caster.
5. ( cap. ) a member of the Millennial Church, originating in England in the middle of the 18th century and brought to the U.S. in 1774, advocating celibacy, common ownership of property, and a strict and simple way of life: so called from their practice of shaking during religious services.
adj.
6. ( cap. ) noting or pertaining to a style of something produced by Shakers and characterized by simplicity of form, lack of ornamentation, fine craftsmanship, and functionality.
[ 1400-50; late ME; see SHAKE, -ER 1 ]