cities 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}.]
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   1. Shelter or protection from danger or distress.
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            Rocks, dens, and caves! But I in none of these
            Find place or refuge.                 --Milton.
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            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.
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            The high hills are a refuger the wild goats. --Ps.
                                                  civ. 18.
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            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.
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            Their latest refuge
            Was to send him.                      --Shak.
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            Light must be supplied, among gracefulrefuges, by
            terracing ??? story in danger of darkness. --Sir H.
                                                  Wotton.
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   {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.
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   Syn: Shelter; asylum; retreat; covert.
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