—n.
1 shade or a patch of shade.
2 a dark figure projected by a body intercepting rays of light, often regarded as an appendage.
3 an inseparable attendant or companion.
4 a person secretly following another.
5 the slightest trace (not the shadow of a doubt).
6 a weak or insubstantial remnant or thing (a shadow of his former self).
7 (attrib.) Brit. denoting members of a political party in opposition holding responsibilities parallel to those of the government (shadow Home Secretary; shadow cabinet).
8 the shaded part of a picture.
9 a substance used to colour the eyelids.
10 gloom or sadness.
—v.tr.
1 cast a shadow over.
2 secretly follow and watch the movements of.
Phrases and idioms:
shadow-boxing boxing against an imaginary opponent as a form of training.
Derivatives:
shadower n. shadowless adj.
Etymology: repr. OE scead(u)we, oblique case of sceadu SHADE
Useful english dictionary. 2012.