the shades

1 definition found

the shades - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  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.
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     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.
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     2. Darkness; obscurity; -- often in the plural.
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              The shades of night were falling fast. --Longfellow.
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     3. An obscure place; a spot not exposed to light; hence, a
        secluded retreat.
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              Let us seek out some desolate shade, and there
              Weep our sad bosoms empty.            --Shak.
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     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.
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              The Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand. --Ps.
                                                    cxxi. 5.
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              Sleep under a fresh tree's shade.     --Shak.
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              Let the arched knife well sharpened now assail the
              spreading shades of vegetables.       --J. Philips.
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     5. Shadow. [Poetic.]
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              Envy will merit, as its shade, pursue. --Pope.
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     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.
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              Swift as thought the flitting shade
              Thro' air his momentary journey made. --Dryden.
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     7. (Painting, Drawing, etc.) The darker portion of a picture;
        a less illuminated part. See Def. 1, above.
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     8. Degree or variation of color, as darker or lighter,
        stronger or paler; as, a delicate shade of pink.
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              White, red, yellow, blue, with their several
              degrees, or shades and mixtures, as green only in by
              the eyes.                             --Locke.
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     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.
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              New shades and combinations of thought. --De
                                                    Quincey.
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              Every shade of religious and political opinion has
              its own headquarters.                 --Macaulay.
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     The Shades, the Nether World; the supposed abode of souls
        after leaving the body.
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