1. (n.) 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.

2. (n.) Darkness; obscurity; -- often in the plural.

3. (n.) An obscure place; a spot not exposed to light; hence, a secluded retreat.

4. (n.) 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.

5. (n.) Shadow.

6. (n.) 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.

7. (n.) The darker portion of a picture; a less illuminated part. See Def. 1, above.

8. (n.) Degree or variation of color, as darker or lighter, stronger or paler; as, a delicate shade of pink.

9. (n.) 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.

10. (v. t.) To shelter or screen by intercepting the rays of light; to keep off illumination from.

11. (v. t.) To shelter; to cover from injury; to protect; to screen; to hide; as, to shade one's eyes.

12. (v. t.) To obscure; to dim the brightness of.

13. (v. t.) To pain in obscure colors; to darken.

14. (v. t.) To mark with gradations of light or color.

15. (v. t.) To present a shadow or image of; to shadow forth; to represent.