ppl. a. Now arch. Also 4–5 shape (schape, i-shape). = prec.
α. c. 1374. Chaucer, Troylus, III. 411. Be she neuere so faire or well-shape [v.r. wel schape].
14[?]. in Wr.-Wülcker, 584/14. Formosus, Welshape.
c. 1489. Caxton, Sonnes of Aymon, ix. 232. Reynawde had xvi. fele of lengthe, & was well shape of body after ye gretnes.
β. a. 1425. trans. Arderne’s Treat. Fistula, etc., 6. Clene handes and wele shapen nailez.
c. 1500. Melusine, xxxiii. 235. His fayre & wel shappen body.
1580. Blundevil, Order Dieting Horses, ix. 4 b. A well shapen horse.
1687. Blome, Pres. St. Amer., 41. Chusing them [sc. Negroes] as men do Horses in a Fair, and according as they are handsom, lusty, well shapen, and young.
1710. Shaftesb., Adv. Author, Charac. (1711), I. 164. ’Tis the Unhappiness of those Wits,… that … they can bring nothing well-shapen or perfect into the World.
1859. Geo. Eliot, Adam Bede, vi. A good-looking woman,… well-shapen, light-footed.
