Shape v. t. [imp. Shaped p. p. Shaped or Shapen p. pr. & vb. n. Shaping.]
1. To form or create; especially, to mold or make into a particular form; to give proper form or figure to.
I was shapen in iniquity. --Ps. li. 5.
Grace shaped her limbs, and beauty decked her face. --Prior.
2. To adapt to a purpose; to regulate; to adjust; to direct; as, to shape the course of a vessel.
To the stream, when neither friends, nor force,
Nor speed nor art avail, he shapes his course. --Denham.
Charmed by their eyes, their manners I acquire,
And shape my foolishness to their desire. --Prior.
3. To imagine; to conceive; to call forth (ideas). [archaic]
Oft my jealousy
Shapes faults that are not. --Shak.
4. To design; to prepare; to plan; to arrange.
When shapen was all this conspiracy,
From point to point. --Chaucer.
Shaping machine. Mach. Same as Shaper.
To shape one's self, to prepare; to make ready. [Obs.]
I will early shape me therefor. --Chaucer.
shaping machine
n : a machine tool for shaping metal or wood [syn: shaper]