from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Shape \Shape\ (sh[=a]p), v. t. [imp. {Shaped} (sh[=a]pt); p. p.
{Shaped} or {Shapen} (sh[=a]p"'n); p. pr. & vb. n.
{Shaping}.] [OE. shapen, schapen, AS. sceapian. The p. p.
shapen is from the strong verb, AS. scieppan, scyppan,
sceppan, p. p. sceapen. See {Shape}, n.]
1. To form or create; especially, to mold or make into a
particular form; to give proper form or figure to.
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I was shapen in iniquity. --Ps. li. 5.
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Grace shaped her limbs, and beauty decked her face.
--Prior.
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2. To adapt to a purpose; to regulate; to adjust; to direct;
as, to shape the course of a vessel.
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To the stream, when neither friends, nor force,
Nor speed nor art avail, he shapes his course.
--Denham.
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Charmed by their eyes, their manners I acquire,
And shape my foolishness to their desire. --Prior.
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3. To imagine; to conceive; to call forth (ideas). [archaic]
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Oft my jealousy
Shapes faults that are not. --Shak.
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4. To design; to prepare; to plan; to arrange.
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When shapen was all this conspiracy,
From point to point. --Chaucer.
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{Shaping machine}. (Mach.) Same as {Shaper}.
{To shape one's self}, to prepare; to make ready. [Obs.]
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I will early shape me therefor. --Chaucer.
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