■ noun
1》 a dark area or shape produced by a body coming between light rays and a surface.
↘partial or complete darkness.
↘a dark patch or area.
2》 an air or expression of sadness and gloom.
3》 a position of relative inferiority or obscurity.
4》 [with negative ] the slightest trace.
5》 a weak or inferior remnant or version of something.
6》 an inseparable attendant or companion.
↘a person secretly following and observing another.
7》 [as modifier ] Brit. denoting the opposition counterpart of a government minister.
■ verb
1》 envelop in ~; cast a ~ over.
2》 follow and observe secretly.
↘accompany (a worker) in their daily activities for experience of or insight into a job.
Derivatives
~er noun
~iness noun
~less adjective
~y adjective ( ~ier , ~iest ).
Origin
OE scead(u)we (n.), oblique case of sceadu (see shade ), sceadwian 'screen or shield from attack', of Gmc origin.