Rĕf'ūge1, n.
n. [Fr. réfuge, Pr. refug, refugi, Sp. & Pg. refugio, It. refugio, rifugio, Lat. refugium, from refugere, to flee back, from re, back, and fugere, to flee.
Sense 1. Shelter or protection from danger or distress.
Rocks, dens, and caves, but I in none of these Find place or refuge. Milton.
We might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us. Heb. vi. 18.
Sense 2. That which shelters or protects from danger, distress, or calamity; a stronghold which protects by its strength, or a sanctuary which secures safety by its sacredness; a place inaccessible to an enemy.
The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats. Ps. civ. 18.
The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed. Ps. ix. 9.
Sense 3. An expedient to secure protection or defense; a device or contrivance.
This last old man, . . . Their latest refuge was to send to him. Shak.
Light must be supplied, among graceful refuges, by terracing any story in danger of darkness. Wotton.
Cities of refuge (Jewish Antiq.), certain cities appointed to secure the safety of such persons as might commit homicide without design. Of these there were three on each side of Jordan. Josh. xx.
Synonyms—Shelter; asylum; retreat; covert.