01 n. Shelter or protection from danger or distress.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Phrases & compounds
Cities of refuge —
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.
House of refuge —
a charitable institution for giving shelter and protection to the homeless, destitute, or tempted.