Note: Shade differs from shadow as it implies no particular
form or definite limit; whereas a shadow represents in
form the object which intercepts the light. When we
speak of the shade of a tree, we have no reference to
its form; but when we speak of measuring a pyramid or
other object by its shadow, we have reference to its
form and extent.
2. Darkness; obscurity; -- often in the plural.
The shades of night were falling fast. --Longfellow.
3. An obscure place; a spot not exposed to light; hence, a
secluded retreat.
Let us seek out some desolate shade, and there Weep
our sad bosoms empty. --Shak.
4. That which intercepts, or shelters from, light or the
direct rays of the sun; hence, also, that which protects
from heat or currents of air; a screen; protection;
shelter; cover; as, a lamp shade.
The Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. --Ps.
cxxi. 5.
Sleep under a fresh tree's shade. --Shak.
Let the arched knife well sharpened now assail the
spreading shades of vegetables. --J. Philips.
Envy will merit, as its shade, pursue. --Pope.
6. The soul after its separation from the body; -- so called
because the ancients it to be perceptible to the sight,
though not to the touch; a spirit; a ghost; as, the shades
of departed heroes.
Swift as thought the flitting shade Thro' air his
momentary journey made. --Dryden.
7. (Painting, Drawing, etc.) The darker portion of a picture;
a less illuminated part. See Def. 1, above.
8. Degree or variation of color, as darker or lighter,
stronger or paler; as, a delicate shade of pink.
White, red, yellow, blue, with their several
degrees, or shades and mixtures, as green only in by
the eyes. --Locke.
9. A minute difference or variation, as of thought, belief,
expression, etc.; also, the quality or degree of anything
which is distinguished from others similar by slight
differences; as, the shades of meaning in synonyms.
New shades and combinations of thought. --De
Quincey.
Every shade of religious and political opinion has
its own headquarters. --Macaulay.
{The Shades}, the Nether World; the supposed abode of souls
after leaving the body.
I went to crop the sylvan scenes, And shade our
altars with their leafy greens. --Dryden.
2. To shelter; to cover from injury; to protect; to screen;
to hide; as, to shade one's eyes.
Ere in our own house I do shade my head. --Shak.
3. To obscure; to dim the brightness of.
Thou shad'st The full blaze of thy beams. --Milton.
4. To pain in obscure colors; to darken.
5. To mark with gradations of light or color.
6. To present a shadow or image of; to shadow forth; to
represent. [Obs.]
[The goddess] in her person cunningly did shade That
part of Justice which is Equity. --Spenser.
This small group will be most conveniently treated with
the emotional division, into which it shades. --Edmund
Gurney.