Shelter - Dictionary Definition and Overview

Shelter :  (noun)
1: a structure that provides privacy and protection from danger
2: protective covering that provides protection from the weather
3: the condition of being protected; "they were huddled together for protection"; "he enjoyed a sense of peace and protection in his new home" [syn: protection]
4: a way of organizing business to reduce the taxes it must pay on current earnings [syn: tax shelter]
5: temporary housing for homeless or displaced persons (verb)
1: provide shelter for; "After the earthquake, the government could not provide shelter for the thousands of homeless people"
2: invest (money) so that it is not taxable

Based on WordNet 2.0

Shelter : \Shel"ter\, v. i. To take shelter.

There oft the Indian herdsman, shunning heat, Shelters in cool. --Milton.

Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

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.

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.

Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

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.

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.

Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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