SHAPE, n.2
(ʃeɪp)
Also S.H.A.P.E., Shape.
[Acronym f. the initials of Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers in Europe, set up in 1951.]
An organization established by the N.A.T.O. Council embodying a structure of command for the defence of western Europe.
| 1950 Sun (Baltimore) 20 Dec. 4/3 The 60-year-old five-star general..will create another international staff at SHAPE (Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers in Europe). 1951 N.Y. Times 3 Apr. 8/3 General of the Army Dwight D. Eisenhower formally assumed command and activated the Supreme Headquarters of the Allied Powers in Europe (Shape) into an operational headquarters this morning [2 Apr.]. 1955 Times 20 July 8/2 He had accepted the leadership of the Supreme Headquarters in Europe (S.H.A.P.E.) as being a true agency for peace. 1958 Listener 25 Sept. 453/1 The signatures of the four Shape Supreme Commanders. 1976 H. Wilson Governance of Britain vii. 136 On 8 March the list concludes with southern Africa, Staffordshire, the United Nations and SHAPE. |