\Ref"uge\ (r?f"?j), n. [F. r['e]fuge, L. refugium, fr.
refugere to flee back; pref. re- + figere. SEe {Fugitive}.]
1. Shelter or protection from danger or distress.

         Rocks, dens, and caves! But I in none of these Find
         place or refuge.                      --Milton.

         We might have a strong consolation, who have fled
         for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.
                                               --Heb. vi. 18.

2. That which shelters or protects from danger, or from
   distress or calamity; a stronghold which protects by its
   strength, or a sanctuary which secures safety by its
   sacredness; a place inaccessible to an enemy.

         The high hills are a refuger the wild goats. --Ps.
                                               civ. 18.

         The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed.
                                               --Ps. ix. 9.



3. An expedient to secure protection or defense; a device or
   contrivance.

         Their latest refuge Was to send him.  --Shak.

         Light must be supplied, among gracefulrefuges, by
         terracing ??? story in danger of darkness. --Sir H.
                                               Wotton.

{Cities of refuge} (Jewish Antiq.), certain cities appointed
   as places of safe refuge for persons who had committed
   homicide without design. Of these there were three on each
   side of Jordan. --Josh. xx.

{House of refuge}, a charitable institution for giving
   shelter and protection to the homeless, destitute, or
   tempted.

Syn: Shelter; asylum; retreat; covert.

\Ref"uge\ (r?f"?j), v. t.
To shelter; to protect. [Obs.]