Shape \Shape\, n. [OE. shap, schap, AS. sceap in gesceap
   creation, creature, fr. the root of scieppan, scyppan,
   sceppan, to shape, to do, to effect; akin to OS. giskeppian,
   OFries. skeppa, D. scheppen, G. schaffen, OHG. scaffan,
   scepfen, skeffen, Icer. skapa, skepja, Dan. skabe, skaffe,
   Sw. skapa, skaffa, Goth. gaskapjan, and perhaps to E. shave,
   v. Cf. -ship.]
   1. Character or construction of a thing as determining its
      external appearance; outward aspect; make; figure; form;
      guise; as, the shape of a tree; the shape of the head; an
      elegant shape.
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            He beat me grievously, in the shape of a woman.
                                                  --Shak.
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   2. That which has form or figure; a figure; an appearance; a
      being.
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            Before the gates three sat,
            On either side, a formidable shape.   --Milton.
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   3. A model; a pattern; a mold.
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   4. Form of embodiment, as in words; form, as of thought or
      conception; concrete embodiment or example, as of some
      quality. --Milton.
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   5. Dress for disguise; guise. [Obs.]
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            Look better on this virgin, and consider
            This Persian shape laid by, and she appearing
            In a Greekish dress.                  --Messinger.
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   6. (Iron Manuf.)
      (a) A rolled or hammered piece, as a bar, beam, angle
          iron, etc., having a cross section different from
          merchant bar.
      (b) A piece which has been roughly forged nearly to the
          form it will receive when completely forged or fitted.
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   To take shape, to assume a definite form.