Search the Dictionary

A plant that affords shelter and food to certain species of ants which live in symbiotic relations with it. Special adaptations for this purpose exist; thus, Acacia spadicigera has large hollows thorns, and species of Cecropia have stem cavities. -- Myr`me*co*phyt"ic (#), a.

A building for the shelter of neat cattle. [Obs. or Prov. Eng.] Massinger.

nd snug, as a bird in her nest; to cuddle up; to settle, as in a nest; to harbor; to take shelter. Their purpose was to fortify in some strong place of the wild country, and there nestle till succors came. Bacon.

contumacy. You do not well in obstinacy To cavil in the course of this contract. Shak. To shelter their ignorance, or obstinacy, under the obscurity of their terms. Locke.

A shield of basket work formerly used by archers as a shelter from the enemy's missiles.

To furnish or cover with, or shelter in, a tent or tents. The field pavilioned with his guardians bright. Milton.

A place where ships may ride secure from storms; a sheltered inlet, bay, or cove; a harbor; a haven. Used also figuratively.

, or the state of being protected; preservation from loss, injury, or annoyance; defense; shelter; as, the weak need protection. To your protection I commend me, gods. Shak.

Affording protection; sheltering; defensive. " The favor of a protective Providence." Feltham. Protective coloring (Zoöl.), coloring which serves for the concealment and preservation of a living organism. Cf. Mimicry. Wallace. -- Protective tariff (Polit. Econ.), a tariff designed to secure protection (see Protection,…

Place of lodging or temporary residence; shelter; entertainment; -- usually in the plural. The banter turned as to what quarters each would find. W. Irving.

Furnished with quarters; provided with shelter or entertainment.

Shelter or protection from danger or distress. Rocks, dens, and caves! But I in none of these Find place or refuge. Milton. We might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us. Heb. vi. 18.

One who flees to a shelter, or place of safety.

(Philetærus socius). These weaver birds build many nests together, under a large rooflike shelter, which they make of straw. Red republican. See under Red.

L'Estrange. That pleasing shade they sought, a soft retreat From sudden April showers, a shelter from the heat. Dryden.

emery or a similar material, used for sharpening scythes. Rifle pit (Mil.), a trench for sheltering sharpshooters.

To inclose in a house; figuratively, to shelter. Here had we now our country's honor roofed. Shak.

Hence, the roof itself; figuratively, shelter. "Fit roofing gave." Southey.

Having no house or home; shelterless; homeless.

A small roof, covering, or shelter.