To take shape

Shape Shape, n. [OE. shap, schap, AS. sceap in gesceap creation, creature, fr. the root of scieppan, scyppan, sceppan, to shape, to do, to effect; akin to OS. giskeppian, OFries. skeppa, D. scheppen, G. schaffen, OHG. scaffan, scepfen, skeffen, Icer. skapa, skepja, Dan. skabe, skaffe, Sw. skapa, skaffa, Goth. gaskapjan, and perhaps to E. shave, v. Cf. {-ship}.] 1. Character or construction of a thing as determining its external appearance; outward aspect; make; figure; form; guise; as, the shape of a tree; the shape of the head; an elegant shape. [1913 Webster]

He beat me grievously, in the shape of a woman. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

2. That which has form or figure; a figure; an appearance; a being. [1913 Webster]

Before the gates three sat, On either side, a formidable shape. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

3. A model; a pattern; a mold. [1913 Webster]

4. Form of embodiment, as in words; form, as of thought or conception; concrete embodiment or example, as of some quality. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

5. Dress for disguise; guise. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

Look better on this virgin, and consider This Persian shape laid by, and she appearing In a Greekish dress. --Messinger. [1913 Webster]

6. (Iron Manuf.) (a) A rolled or hammered piece, as a bar, beam, angle iron, etc., having a cross section different from merchant bar. (b) A piece which has been roughly forged nearly to the form it will receive when completely forged or fitted. [1913 Webster]

{To take shape}, to assume a definite form.

{in shape,, having a good muscle tone; healthy.

{Get into shape}, to exercise so as to acquire a good muscle tone.1 [1913 Webster]