House of refuge

Refuge Ref"uge (r?f"?j), n. [F. r['e]fuge, L. refugium, fr. refugere to flee back; pref. re- + figere. SEe {Fugitive}.] [1913 Webster] 1. Shelter or protection from danger or distress. [1913 Webster]

Rocks, dens, and caves! But I in none of these Find place or refuge. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

We might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us. --Heb. vi. 18. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

The high hills are a refuger the wild goats. --Ps. civ. 18. [1913 Webster]

The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed. --Ps. ix. 9. [1913 Webster]

3. An expedient to secure protection or defense; a device or contrivance. [1913 Webster]

Their latest refuge Was to send him. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

Light must be supplied, among gracefulrefuges, by terracing ??? story in danger of darkness. --Sir H. Wotton. [1913 Webster]

{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. [1913 Webster]

Syn: Shelter; asylum; retreat; covert. [1913 Webster]