■ noun
1》 a place giving protection from bad weather or danger.
2》 a place providing food and accommodation for the homeless.
3》 an animal sanctuary.
4》 a shielded condition; protection.
■ verb
1》 provide with ~.
↘find refuge or take cover.
2》 [often as adjective ~ed ] prevent from having to do or face something difficult.
3》 protect (income) from taxation.
Derivatives
~er noun
~less adjective
Origin
C16: perh. an alt. of obs. sheld , an old spelling of shield , + -ure .