Shelter \Shel"ter\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Sheltered}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Sheltering}.]
   1. To be a shelter for; to provide with a shelter; to cover
      from injury or annoyance; to shield; to protect.
      
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            Those ruins sheltered once his sacred head.
                                                  --Dryden.
      
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            You have no convents . . . in which such persons may
            be received and sheltered.            --Southey.
      
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   2. To screen or cover from notice; to disguise.
      
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            In vain I strove to cheek my growing flame,
            Or shelter passion under friendship's name. --Prior.
      
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   3. To betake to cover, or to a safe place; -- used
      reflexively.
      
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            They sheltered themselves under a rock. --Abp.
                                                  Abbot.
      
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Shelter \Shel"ter\, n. [Cf. OE. scheltrun, shiltroun,
   schelltrome, scheldtrome, a guard, squadron, AS. scildtruma a
   troop of men with shields; scild shield + truma a band of
   men. See {Shield}, n.]
   1. That which covers or defends from injury or annoyance; a
      protection; a screen.
      
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            The sick and weak the healing plant shall aid,
            From storms a shelter, and from heat a shade.
                                                  --Pope.
      
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   2. One who protects; a guardian; a defender.
      
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            Thou [God] hast been a shelter for me. --Ps. lxi. 3.
      
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   3. The state of being covered and protected; protection;
      security.
      
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            Who into shelter takes their tender bloom. --Young.
      
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   {Shelter tent},a small tent made of pieces of cotton duck
      arranged to button together. In field service the soldiers
      carry the pieces.
      
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   Syn: Asylum; refuge; retreat; covert; sanctuary; protection;
        defense; security.
        
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Shelter \Shel"ter\, v. i.
   To take shelter.
   
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         There oft the Indian herdsman, shunning heat,
         Shelters in cool.                        --Milton.
   
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