'The Shades' definitions:

Definition of 'The Shades'

From: GCIDE
  • Shade \Shade\ (sh[=a]d), n. [OE. shade, shadewe, schadewe, AS. sceadu, scead; akin to OS. skado, D. schaduw, OHG. scato, (gen. scatewes), G. schatten, Goth. skadus, Ir. & Gael. sgath, and probably to Gr. sko`tos darkness. [root]162. Cf. Shadow, Shed a hat.]
  • 1. Comparative obscurity owing to interception or interruption of the rays of light; partial darkness caused by the intervention of something between the space contemplated and the source of light. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Darkness; obscurity; -- often in the plural. [1913 Webster]
  • The shades of night were falling fast. --Longfellow. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. An obscure place; a spot not exposed to light; hence, a secluded retreat. [1913 Webster]
  • Let us seek out some desolate shade, and there Weep our sad bosoms empty. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • The Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. --Ps. cxxi. 5. [1913 Webster]
  • Sleep under a fresh tree's shade. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • Let the arched knife well sharpened now assail the spreading shades of vegetables. --J. Philips. [1913 Webster]
  • 5. Shadow. [Poetic.] [1913 Webster]
  • Envy will merit, as its shade, pursue. --Pope. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • Swift as thought the flitting shade Thro' air his momentary journey made. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
  • 7. (Painting, Drawing, etc.) The darker portion of a picture; a less illuminated part. See Def. 1, above. [1913 Webster]
  • 8. Degree or variation of color, as darker or lighter, stronger or paler; as, a delicate shade of pink. [1913 Webster]
  • White, red, yellow, blue, with their several degrees, or shades and mixtures, as green only in by the eyes. --Locke. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • New shades and combinations of thought. --De Quincey. [1913 Webster]
  • Every shade of religious and political opinion has its own headquarters. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]
  • The Shades, the Nether World; the supposed abode of souls after leaving the body. [1913 Webster]

Words containing 'The Shades'