shadow

I. 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 • shadowless adjective • shadowlike 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 • shadower 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

>