I. ˈsha-(ˌ)dō noun
Etymology: Middle English shadwe, from Old English sceaduw-, sceadu shade
Date: before 12th century
1. : partial darkness or obscurity within a part of space from which rays from a source of light are cut off by an interposed opaque body
2. : a reflected image
3. : shelter from danger or observation
4.
a. : an imperfect and faint representation
b. : an imitation of something : copy
5. : the dark figure cast upon a surface by a body intercepting the rays from a source of light
6. : phantom
7. plural : dark 1a
8. : a shaded or darker portion of a picture
9. : an attenuated form or a vestigial remnant
10.
a. : an inseparable companion or follower
b. : one (as a spy or detective) that shadows
11. : a small degree or portion : trace
12. : a source of gloom or unhappiness
13.
a. : an area near an object : vicinity
b. : pervasive and dominant influence
14. : a state of ignominy or obscurity
• shad·ow·less ˈsha-dō-ləs, -də-ləs adjective
• shad·ow·like -ˌlīk adjective
II. verb
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1. archaic : shelter , protect
2. : to cast a shadow upon : cloud
3. obsolete : to shelter from the sun
4. obsolete : conceal
5. : to represent or indicate obscurely or faintly — often used with forth or out
6.
a. : to follow especially secretly : trail
b. : to accompany and observe especially in a professional setting
7. archaic : shade 5
intransitive verb
1. : to pass gradually or by degrees
2. : to become overcast with or as if with shadows
• shad·ow·er -dō-ər, -də-wər noun
III. adjective
Date: 1906
1. : of, relating to, or resembling a shadow cabinet
shadow minister of defense
2.
a. : having an indistinct pattern
shadow plaid
b. : having darker sections of design
shadow lace