a. [ Compar. Shadier superl. Shadiest. ] 1. Abounding in shade or shades; overspread with shade; causing shade. [ 1913 Webster ] The shady trees cover him with their shadow. Job. xl. 22. [ 1913 Webster ] And Amaryllis fills the shady groves. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Sheltered from the glare of light or sultry heat. [ 1913 Webster ] Cast it also that you may have rooms shady for summer and warm for winter. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Of or pertaining to shade or darkness; hence, unfit to be seen or known; of questionable character; unsavory; equivocal; dubious, corrupt, or criminal; as, a shady character; -- of people or activities. [ Colloq. ] “A shady business.” London Sat. Rev. Shady characters, disreputable, criminal. London Spectator. [ 1913 Webster ]
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 ] [ 1913 Webster ]
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