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.