Shape, n.
1. Character or construction of a thing as determining its external appearance; outward aspect; make; figure; form; guise; as, the shape of a tree; the shape of the head; an elegant shape.
He beat me grievously, in the shape of a woman. --Shak.
2. That which has form or figure; a figure; an appearance; a being.
Before the gates three sat,
On either side, a formidable shape. --Milton.
3. A model; a pattern; a mold.
4. Form of embodiment, as in words; form, as of thought or conception; concrete embodiment or example, as of some quality.
5. Dress for disguise; guise. [Obs.]
Look better on this virgin, and consider
This Persian shape laid by, and she appearing
In a Greekish dress. --Messinger.
6. Iron Manuf. (a) A rolled or hammered piece, as a bar, beam, angle iron, etc., having a cross section different from merchant bar. (b) A piece which has been roughly forged nearly to the form it will receive when completely forged or fitted.
To take shape, to assume a definite form.
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