Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Shape \Shape\ (sh[=a]p), v. t. [imp. {Shaped} (sh[=a]pt); p. p.
   {Shaped} or {Shapen} (sh[=a]p"'n); p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Shaping}.] [OE. shapen, schapen, AS. sceapian. The p. p.
   shapen is from the strong verb, AS. scieppan, scyppan,
   sceppan, p. p. sceapen. See {Shape}, n.]
   1. To form or create; especially, to mold or make into a
      particular form; to give proper form or figure to.

            I was shapen in iniquity.             --Ps. li. 5.

            Grace shaped her limbs, and beauty decked her face.
                                                  --Prior.

   2. To adapt to a purpose; to regulate; to adjust; to direct;
      as, to shape the course of a vessel.

            To the stream, when neither friends, nor force, Nor
            speed nor art avail, he shapes his course. --Denham.

            Charmed by their eyes, their manners I acquire, And
            shape my foolishness to their desire. --Prior.

   3. To image; to conceive; to body forth.

            Oft my jealousy Shapes faults that are not. --Shak.

   4. To design; to prepare; to plan; to arrange.

            When shapen was all this conspiracy, From point to
            point.                                --Chaucer.

   {Shaping machine}. (Mach.) Same as {Shaper}.

   {To shape one's self}, to prepare; to make ready. [Obs.]

            I will early shape me therefor.       --Chaucer.

Shape \Shape\ (sh[=a]p), v. i.
   To suit; to be adjusted or conformable. [R.] --Shak.

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.

            He beat me grievously, in the shape of a woman.
                                                  --Shak.

   2. That which has form or figure; a figure; an appearance; a
      being.

            Before the gates three sat, On either side, a
            formidable shape.                     --Milton.

   3. A model; a pattern; a mold.

   4. Form of embodiment, as in words; form, as of thought or
      conception; concrete embodiment or example, as of some
      quality. --Milton.

   5. Dress for disguise; guise. [Obs.]

            Look better on this virgin, and consider This
            Persian shape laid by, and she appearing In a
            Greekish dress.                       --Messinger.

   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.

   {To take shape}, to assume a definite form.

Source : WordNet®

shape
     n 1: any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline);
          "he could barely make out their shapes through the
          smoke" [syn: {form}, {configuration}, {contour}, {conformation}]
     2: the spatial arrangement of something as distinct from its
        substance; "geometry is the mathematical science of shape"
        [syn: {form}]
     3: alternative names for the body of a human being; "Leonardo
        studied the human body"; "he has a strong physique"; "the
        spirit is willing but the flesh is weak" [syn: {human body},
         {physical body}, {material body}, {soma}, {build}, {figure},
         {physique}, {anatomy}, {bod}, {chassis}, {frame}, {form},
         {flesh}]
     4: a concrete representation of an otherwise nebulous concept;
        "a circle was the embodiment of his concept of life" [syn:
         {embodiment}]
     5: the visual appearance of something or someone; "the delicate
        cast of his features" [syn: {form}, {cast}]
     6: the state of (good) health (especially in the phrases `in
        condition' or `in shape' or `out of condition' or `out of
        shape') [syn: {condition}]
     7: the supremem headquarters that advises NATO on military
        matters and oversees all aspects of the Allied Command
        Europe [syn: {Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe}]
     8: a perceptual structure; "the composition presents problems
        for students of musical form"; "a visual pattern must
        include not only objects but the spaces between them"
        [syn: {form}, {pattern}]

shape
     v 1: shape or influence; give direction to; "experience often
          determines ability"; "mold public opinion" [syn: {determine},
           {mold}, {influence}, {regulate}]
     2: make something, usually for a specific function; "She molded
        the riceballs carefully"; "Form cylinders from the dough";
        "shape a figure"; "Work the metal into a sword" [syn: {form},
         {work}, {mold}, {mould}, {forge}]
     3: give a shape or form to; "shape the dough" [syn: {form}]