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.
The sick and weak the healing plant shall aid,
From storms a shelter, and from heat a shade.
Pope.
2.
One who protects; a guardian; a defender.
Thou [God] hast been a shelter for me.
Ps. lxi. 3.
3.
The state of being covered and protected; protection; security.
Who into shelter takes their tender bloom.
Young.
Shelter tent,a small tent made of pieces of cotton duck arranged to button together. In field service the soldiers carry the pieces.
Syn. -- Asylum; refuge; retreat; covert; sanctuary; protection; defense; security.
© Webster 1913.
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.
Those ruins sheltered once his sacred head.
Dryden.
You have no convents . . . in which such persons may be received and sheltered.
Southey.
2.
To screen or cover from notice; to disguise.
In vain I strove to cheek my growing flame,
Or shelter passion under friendship's name.
Prior.
3.
To betake to cover, or to a safe place; -- used reflexively.
They sheltered themselves under a rock.
Abp. Abbot.
© Webster 1913.
Shel"ter, v. i.
To take shelter.
There oft the Indian herdsman, shunning heat,
Shelters in cool.
Milton.
© Webster 1913.