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v. shed, shed·ding, sheds v.tr. 1. a. To have (a growth or covering) be disconnected or fall off by a natural process: a tree shedding its leaves; a snake shedding its skin; a dog shedding its hair. b. To rid oneself of (something not wanted or needed): I shed 25 pounds as a result of my new diet. c. To take off (an article of clothing). 2. a. To produce and release (a tear or tears). b. Archaic To pour forth. 3. To repel without allowing penetration: A duck's feathers shed water. 4. To diffuse or radiate; send forth or impart: a lamp that sheds a lot of light. v.intr. To lose a natural growth or covering by natural process: The cats are shedding now. n. Idioms: 1. An elevation in the earth's surface from which water flows in two directions; a watershed. 2. Something, such as an exoskeleton or outer skin, that has been shed or sloughed. 3. The space made by raising certain warp threads on a loom and lowering others, allowing the woof to be passed between them. shed blood 1. To wound or kill in a violent manner. 2. To be wounded or killed: "For he today that sheds his blood with me / Shall be my brother" (Shakespeare). shed (someone's) blood To wound someone or take someone's life, especially with violence. [Middle English sheden, to separate, shed, from Old English scēadan, to divide; see skei- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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