Shad"y (?), a. [Compar. Shadier (?); superl. Shadiest.]

1.

Abounding in shade or shades; overspread with shade; causing shade.

The shady trees cover him with their shadow. Job. xl. 22.

And Amaryllis fills the shady groves. Dryden.

2.

Sheltered from the glare of light or sultry heat.

Cast it also that you may have rooms shady for summer and warm for winter. Bacon.

3.

Of or pertaining to shade or darkness; hence, unfit to be seen or known; equivocal; dubious or corrupt.

[Colloq.] "A shady business."

London Sat. Rev.

Shady characters, disreputable, criminal. London Spectator.

On the shady side of, on the thither side of; as, on the shady side of fifty; that is, more than fifty. [Colloq.] -- To keep shady, to stay in concealment; also, to be reticent. [Slang]

 

© Webster 1913.

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