Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SHAD'OW, n. [Sax. scadu, sceadu. See Shade.]

1. Shade within defined limits; obscurity or deprivation of light, apparent on a plane and representing the form of the body which intercepts the rays of light; as, the shadow of a man, of a tree or a tower. The shadow of the earth in an eclipse of the moon is proof of its sphericity.
2. Darkness; shade; obscurity. Night's sable shadows from the ocean rise. – Denham.
3. Shelter made by any thing that intercepts the light, heat or influence of the air. In secret shadow from the sunny ray, / On a sweet bed of lilies softly laid. – Spenser.
4. Obscure place; secluded retreat. To secret shadow I retire. [Obs.] – Dryden.
5. Dark part of a picture. [Obs.] – Peacham. [The two last senses, shade is now used.]
6. A spirit; a ghost. [Obs.] [In this sense, shade is now used.]
7. In painting, the representation of a real shadow.
8. An imperfect and faint representation; opposed to substance. The law having a shadow of good things to come. – Heb. x.
9. Inseparable companion. Sin and her shadow, death. – Milton.
10. Type; mystical representation. Types and shadows of that destin'd seed. – Milton.
11. Protection; shelter; favor. – Lam. iv. Ps. xci.
12. Slight or faint appearance. – James i. Shadow of death, terrible darkness, trouble or death. – Job iii.