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.