— shelterer , n. — shelteringly , adv. — shelterless , adj. — shelterlessness , n.
/shel"teuhr/ , n.
1. something beneath, behind, or within which a person, animal, or thing is protected from storms, missiles, adverse conditions, etc.; refuge.
2. the protection or refuge afforded by such a thing: He took shelter in a nearby barn.
3. protection from blame, incrimination, etc.
4. a dwelling place or home considered as a refuge from the elements: Everyone's basic needs are food, clothing, and shelter.
5. a building serving as a temporary refuge or residence for homeless persons, abandoned animals, etc.
6. Finance. See tax shelter .
v.t.
7. to be a shelter for; afford shelter to: The old barn sheltered him from the rain.
8. to provide with a shelter; place under cover.
9. to protect, as by shelter; take under one's protection: Parents should not try to shelter their children from normal childhood disappointments.
10. Finance. to invest (money) in a tax shelter.
v.i.
11. to take shelter; find a refuge: He sheltered in a barn.
12. Finance. to invest money in a tax shelter.
[ 1575-85; perh. alter. of obs. sheltron testudo, OE scieldtruma, equiv. to scield SHIELD + truma body of fighting men; see TRIM ]
Syn. 1. retreat, asylum, sanctuary, shield, haven, harbor. See cover. 7. harbor, house. 9. guard, safeguard, shield, defend.