COVER

Definitions

1. 1. Anything which is laid, set, or spread, upon, about, or over, another thing; an envelope; a lid; as, the cover of a book.
2. 2. Anything which weils or conceals; a screen; disguise; a cloack. "Under cover of the night." Macualay. A hendsome cover for imperfections. Collier.
3. 3. Shelter; protection; as, the troops fought under cover of the batteries; the woods afforded a good cover. Being compelled to lodge in the field . . . whilst his army was under cover, they might be forced to retire. Clarendon.
4. 4. The woods, underbrush, etc., which shelter and conceal game; covert; as, to beat a cover; to ride to cover.
5. 5. That portion of a slate, tile, or shingle, which is hidden by the overlap of the course above. Knight.
6. 6. The lap of a slide valve.
7. 7. A tablecloth, and the other table furniture; esp., the table furniture for the use of one person at a meal; as, covers were laid for fifty guests. To break cover, to start from a covert or lair; -- said of game. -- Under cover, in an envelope, or within a letter; -- said of a written message. Letters . . . dispatched under cover to her ladyship. Thackeray.