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shadowbox

[ shad-oh-boks ]
/ ˈʃæd oʊˌbɒks /
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verb (used without object)

to make the motions of attack and defense, as in boxing, as a training or conditioning procedure.
to evade or avoid direct or decisive action.

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Question 1 of 7
Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
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Origin of shadowbox

First recorded in 1915–20; shadow + box2

Words nearby shadowbox

shading, shadkhan, shadoof, shadow, shadow bands, shadowbox, shadow cabinet, shadow dance, shadowed, shadowgraph, shadow history

Definition for shadowbox (2 of 2)

shadow box

noun

a shallow, rectangular frame fronted with a glass panel, used to show and at the same time protect items on display, as paintings, coins, or jewelry.
Also called shadow box frame .

Origin of shadow box

First recorded in 1905–10
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

Example sentences from the Web for shadowbox

British Dictionary definitions for shadowbox

shadow-box

verb (intr)

boxing to practise blows and footwork against an imaginary opponent
to act or speak unconvincingly, without saying what one means, etche's just shadow-boxing

Derived forms of shadow-box

shadow-boxing, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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