Cov·er n.
1. Anything which is laid, set, or spread, upon, about, or over, another thing; an envelope; a lid; as, the cover of a book.
2. Anything which veils or conceals; a screen; disguise; a cloak. “Under cover of the night.”
A handsome cover for imperfections. --Collier.
3. Shelter; protection; as, the troops fought under cover of the batteries; the woods afforded a good cover.
Being compelled to lodge in the field . . . whilst his army was under cover, they might be forced to retire. --Clarendon.
4. Hunting The woods, underbrush, etc., which shelter and conceal game; covert; as, to beat a cover; to ride to cover.
5. That portion of a slate, tile, or shingle, which is hidden by the overlap of the course above.
6. Steam Engine The lap of a slide valve.
7. A tablecloth, and the other table furniture; esp., the table furniture for the use of one person at a meal; as, covers were laid for fifty guests.
To break cover, to start from a covert or lair; -- said of game.
Under cover, in an envelope, or within a letter; -- said of a written message.
Letters . . . dispatched under cover to her ladyship. --Thackeray.