Shel·ter n.
 1. That which covers or defends from injury or annoyance; a protection; a screen.
 The sick and weak the healing plant shall aid,
 From storms a shelter, and from heat a shade.   --Pope.
 2. One who protects; a guardian; a defender.
    Thou [God] hast been a shelter for me.   --Ps. lxi. 3.  
 3. The state of being covered and protected; protection; security.
    Who into shelter takes their tender bloom.   --Young.
 Shelter tent,a small tent made of pieces of cotton duck arranged to button together. In field service the soldiers carry the pieces.
 Syn: -- Asylum; refuge; retreat; covert; sanctuary; protection; defense; security.
 shelter tent
      n : a wedge-shaped tent; usually without a floor or windows
          [syn: pup tent]