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. [ 1913 Webster ]

The sick and weak the healing plant shall aid,
From storms a shelter, and from heat a shade. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. One who protects; a guardian; a defender. [ 1913 Webster ]

Thou [ God ] hast been a shelter for me. Ps. lxi. 3. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. The state of being covered and protected; protection; security. [ 1913 Webster ]

Who into shelter takes their tender bloom. Young. [ 1913 Webster ]

Shelter tent, a small tent made of pieces of cotton duck arranged to button together. In field service the soldiers carry the pieces. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Asylum; refuge; retreat; covert; sanctuary; protection; defense; security. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Those ruins sheltered once his sacred head. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

You have no convents . . . in which such persons may be received and sheltered. Southey. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To screen or cover from notice; to disguise. [ 1913 Webster ]

In vain I strove to cheek my growing flame,
Or shelter passion under friendship's name. Prior. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To betake to cover, or to a safe place; -- used reflexively. [ 1913 Webster ]

They sheltered themselves under a rock. Abp. Abbot. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To take shelter. [ 1913 Webster ]

There oft the Indian herdsman, shunning heat,
Shelters in cool. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Destitute of shelter or protection. [ 1913 Webster ]

Now sad and shelterless perhaps she lies. Rowe. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Affording shelter. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]