n.
Function: noun
Date: 14th century
1 a : SHELTER , LODGING b : dwellings provided for people
2 a : a niche for a sculpture b : the space taken out of a structural member (as a timber) to admit the insertion of part of another
3 : something that covers or protects: as a : a case or enclosure (as for a mechanical part or an instrument) b : a casing (as an enclosed bearing) in which a shaft revolves c : a support (as a frame) for mechanical parts