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

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

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)