early 14c., shaples, "destitute of regular form," also "misshapen," from shape (n.) + -less. Related: Shapelessly; shapelessness.
Entries linking to shapeless
shape n.
Middle English shape, from Old English sceap, gesceap "external form; a created being, creature; creation; condition; sex, gender; genitalia," from root of shape (v.)).
The meaning "contours of the body, physique and stature" is attested from late 14c. The meaning "condition, state" is recorded by 1865, American English. In Middle and Early Modern English, the word in plural also had a sense of "a woman's private parts."
The meaning "definite, regular, or proper form" is from 1630s; hence out of shape "not in proper shape" (1690s). Shapesmith "one who undertakes to improve the form of the body" (i.e. a corset-maker) was used in 1715. Shape-shifter is attested from 1820. To be of all shapes and sizes is by 1777 in a general sense; prominent from 1810 in newspaper advertisements for manufactured items.
-less
word-forming element meaning "lacking, cannot be, does not," from Old English -leas, from leas "free (from), devoid (of), false, feigned," from Proto-Germanic *lausaz (cognates: Dutch -loos, German -los "-less," Old Norse lauss "loose, free, vacant, dissolute," Middle Dutch los, German los "loose, free," Gothic laus "empty, vain"), from PIE root *leu- "to loosen, divide, cut apart." Related to loose and lease.