the shades

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

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. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

2.Darkness; obscurity; -- often in the plural. [1913 Webster]

The shades of night were falling fast.— Longfellow.[1913 Webster]

3.An obscure place; a spot not exposed to light; hence, a secluded retreat. [1913 Webster]

Let us seek out some desolate shade, and there Weep our sad bosoms empty.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

The Lord is thy shade upon thy right hand.— Ps. cxxi. 5.[1913 Webster]

Sleep under a fresh tree's shade.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

Let the arched knife well sharpened now assail the spreading shades of vegetables.— J. Philips.[1913 Webster]

5.Shadow. [Poetic.] [1913 Webster]

Envy will merit, as its shade, pursue.— Pope.[1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

Swift as thought the flitting shade Thro' air his momentary journey made.— Dryden.[1913 Webster]

7.(Painting, Drawing, etc.) The darker portion of a picture; a less illuminated part. See Def. 1, above. [1913 Webster]

8.Degree or variation of color, as darker or lighter, stronger or paler; as, a delicate shade of pink. [1913 Webster]

White, red, yellow, blue, with their several degrees, or shades and mixtures, as green only in by the eyes.— Locke.[1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

New shades and combinations of thought.— De Quincey.[1913 Webster]

Every shade of religious and political opinion has its own headquarters.— Macaulay.[1913 Webster]

The Shades, the Nether World; the supposed abode of souls after leaving the body. [1913 Webster]