3 entries under this word
n. [Prov. Eng. sheld, shield, shilde, to shield, shilt, shielded or protected.] 1. That which covers or defends from injury or annoyance. The healing plant shall aid, From storms a shelter, and from heat a shade. Pope.
Syn.—Asylum; refuge; retreat; covert; sanctuary; protection; defense; security.
v. t. [imp. & p. p. SHELTERED; p. pr. & vb. n. SHELTERING.]
Sense 1. To furnish a shelter for; to cover from harm or injury; to shield; to screen from notice; to protect.
Those ruins sheltered once his sacred head. Dryden.
You have no convents . . . in which such persons may be received and sheltered. Southey.
Sense 2. To betake to cover, or a safe place;—used reflexively.
They sheltered themselves under a rock. Abbot.
Sense 3. To cover from notice; to disguise.
In vain I strove to check my growing flame, Or shelter passion under friendship’s name. Prior.
v. i. To take shelter. There the Indian herdsman, shunning heat, Shelters in cool. Milton.