from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Shady \Shad"y\, a. [Compar. {Shadier}; superl. {Shadiest}.]
1. Abounding in shade or shades; overspread with shade;
causing shade.
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The shady trees cover him with their shadow. --Job.
xl. 22.
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And Amaryllis fills the shady groves. --Dryden.
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2. Sheltered from the glare of light or sultry heat.
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Cast it also that you may have rooms shady for
summer and warm for winter. --Bacon.
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3. Of or pertaining to shade or darkness; hence, unfit to be
seen or known; of questionable character; unsavory;
equivocal; dubious, corrupt, or criminal; as, a shady
character; -- of people or activities. [Colloq.] "A shady
business." --London Sat. Rev.
Shady characters, disreputable, criminal. --London
Spectator.
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{On the shady side of}, on the thither side of; as, on the
shady side of fifty; that is, more than fifty. [Colloq.]
{To keep shady}, to stay in concealment; also, to be
reticent. [Slang]
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