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The Collaborative International Dictionary
To take shape

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.)

    1. A rolled or hammered piece, as a bar, beam, angle iron, etc., having a cross section different from merchant bar.

    2. 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.

      in shape,, having a good muscle tone; healthy.

      {Get into shape, to exercise so as to acquire a good muscle tone.1

Usage examples of "to take shape".

Bits and pieces of the past floating around me, faces about to take shape, voices about to speak.

When the telecom's warning signal buzzed, Freyt's hand shot forward, hit the red release button squarely and his red-rimmed eyes fixed the image that began to take shape on the screen.

The personal relationships between the recruits began to take shape also.

Within their pale frame, an image began to take shape: ermine fur, a mirrored dresser—.