I. ˈkō-(ˌ)vərt, kō-ˈ; ˈkə-vərt adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, past participle of coverir to cover
Date: 14th century
1. : not openly shown, engaged in, or avowed : veiled
a covert alliance
2. : covered over : sheltered
Synonyms: see secret
• co·vert·ly adverb
• co·vert·ness noun
II. ˈkə-vərt, ˈkō-vərt also ˈkə-vər noun
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : hiding place : shelter
b. : a thicket affording cover for game
c. : a masking or concealing device
2. : a feather covering the bases of the quills of the wings and tail of a bird — see wing illustration
3. : a firm durable twilled sometimes waterproofed cloth usually of mixed-color yarns