(a) To transfigure gloriously the appearance of (sb., Christ's face);—used esp. of the Transfiguration of Christ; also refl.; (b) to disguise (sb.); alter deceptively (someone's appearance); also, refl. deceptively present oneself (in the guise of an angel, a relative, etc.); of an actor: adopt a role [quot. a1420]; (c) to alter by a miracle (the processes of nature); transform as by magic (sb. into an animal); also, refl. shift one's shape, be metamorphosed; of a god: adopt human form; (d) to be changed in conformity to Christ [1st quot.]; change (one's soul or life in imitation of an exemplar); (e) to apply (a doctrine to oneself), exemplify; also, adopt or appropriate (a way of life for oneself).