What is "the shades"

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.

   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.

2. Darkness; obscurity; -- often in the plural.

   The shades of night were falling fast.
   --Longfellow.

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

   Let us seek out some desolate shade, and there Weep our sad bosoms empty.
   --Shak.

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.

   The Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.
   --Ps. cxxi.

5. Sleep under a fresh tree's shade.
   --Shak.

   Let the arched knife well sharpened now assail the spreading shades of vegetables.
   --J. Philips.

   5. Shadow. [Poetic.]

   Envy will merit, as its shade, pursue.
   --Pope.

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.

   Swift as thought the flitting shade Thro' air his momentary journey made.
   --Dryden.

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

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

   White, red, yellow, blue, with their several degrees, or shades and mixtures, as green only in by the eyes.
   --Locke.

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.

   New shades and combinations of thought.
   --De Quincey.

   Every shade of religious and political opinion has its own headquarters.
   --Macaulay.

   The Shades, the Nether World; the supposed abode of souls after leaving the body.