/shel"teuhrd/ , adj.
1. protected or shielded from storms, missiles, etc., by a wall, roof, barrier, or the like.
2. protected from the troubles, annoyances, sordidness, etc., encountered in competitive situations: a sheltered life.
3. (of a business or industry) enjoying noncompetitive conditions, as because of a protective tariff.
4. of or pertaining to employment or housing, esp. for handicapped persons, in a noncompetitive, supervised environment.
[ 1585-95; SHELTER + -ED 2 ]