Search the Dictionary

Of or pertaining to a natural order of shrubs and trees (Rhamnaceæ, or Rhamneæ) of which the buckthorn (Rhamnus) is the type. It includes also the New Jersey tea, the supple-jack, and one of the plants called lotus (Zizyphus).

A genus of shrubs and small trees; buckthorn. The California Rhamnus Purchianus and the European R. catharticus are used in medicine. The latter is used for hedges.

A genus of pterodactyls in which the elongated tail supported a leathery expansion at the tip.

The horny covering of the bill of birds.

A dressing gown, or morning gown.

A division of raptorial birds composing the vultures.

device that deludes and disappoint; a make-believe; delusion; imposture, humbug. "A mere sham." Bp. Stillingfleet. Believe who will the solemn sham, not I. Addison.

A saxicoline singing bird (Kittacincla macroura) of India, noted for the sweetness and power of its song. In confinement it imitates the notes of other birds and various animals with accuracy. Its head, neck, back, breast, and tail are glossy black, the rump white, the under parts chestnut.

A priest of Shamanism; a wizard among the Shamanists.

Of or pertaining to Shamanism.

c, Mongol, and Turkish), and which still survives in various parts of Northern Asia. The Shaman, or wizard priest, deals with good as well as with evil spirits, especially the good spirits of ancestors. Encyc. Brit.

An adherent of Shamanism.

A place where butcher's meat is sold. As summer flies are in the shambles. Shak.

Characterized by an awkward, irregular pace; as, a shambling trot; shambling legs.

ion, or of the exposure of that which nature or modesty prompts us to conceal. HIde, for shame, Romans, your grandsires' images, That blush at their degenerate progeny. Dryden. Have you no modesty, no maiden shame Shak.

Shameless. Shak.

Easily confused or put out of countenance; diffident; bashful; modest. Your shamefaced virtue shunned the people's prise. Dryden.

Modest; shamefaced. -- Shame"fast*ly, adv. -- Shame"fast*ness, n. [Archaic] See Shamefaced. Shamefast she was in maiden shamefastness. Chaucer. [Conscience] is a blushing shamefast spirit. Shak. Modest apparel with shamefastness. 1 Tim. ii. 9 (Rev. Ver.).

Bringing shame or disgrace; injurious to reputation; disgraceful. His naval preparations were not more surprising than his quick and shameful retreat. Arbuthnot.

Destitute of shame; wanting modesty; brazen-faced; insensible to disgrace. "Such shameless bards we have." Pope. Shame enough to shame thee, wert thou not shameless. Shak.