noun

1. something that covers or protects; protection, or place affording protection, as from the elements or danger
2. the state of being covered or protected; protection; refuge
3. any of various places for providing food and lodging on a temporary or emergency basis, as one for the homeless or one for stray pets

Etymology: prob. < ME scheltroun, earlier scheltrum < OE sceldtruma, lit., shield troop, body of men protected by interlocked shields < scield (see shield) + truma, an array, troop; akin to trum, strong: (see trim)

transitive verb

intransitive verb