From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
shelter
n 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, shelter]
4: a way of organizing business to reduce the taxes it must pay
on current earnings [syn: tax shelter, shelter]
5: temporary housing for homeless or displaced persons
v 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
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
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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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
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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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
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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