To overspread the surface of a thing with another substance; to lay or set over; as, to cover a table with a cloth, or a floor with a carpet. The valleys are covered with corn. Psalm 65:13. The locusts shall cover the face of the earth. Exodus 10:5.

To hide; to conceal by something overspread. If I say, surely the darkness shall cover me-- Psalm 139:11.

To conceal by some intervening object; as, the enemy was covered from our sight by a forest.

To clothe; as, to cover with a robe or mantle; to cover nakedness. 1 Samuel 28:14; Exodus 28:42.

To overwhelm. The waters covered the chariots and horsemen. Exodus 14:28. Let them be covered with reproach. Psalm 71:73.

To conceal from notice or punishment. Charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 7 Peter 4:8.

To conceal; to refrain from disclosing or confessing. He that covereth his sin shall not prosper. Proverbs 28:13.

To pardon or remit. Blessed is he whose sin is covered. Psalm 32:7.

To vail, applied to women. 7 Corinthians 11:6. To wear a hat, applied to men. Be covered.

To wrap, infold or envelop; as, to cover a package of goods.

To shelter; to protect; to defend. A squadron of horse covered the troops on the retreat. And the soft wings of peace cover him around.

To brood; to incubate; as, a hen covering her eggs.

To copulate with a female.

To equal, or be of equal extent; to be equivalent to; as, the receipts do not cover the expenses; a mercantile use of the word.

To disguise; to conceal hypocritically.

To include, embrace or comprehend. This land was covered by a mortgage.

Any thing which is laid, set or spread over another thing; as the cover of a vessel; the cover of a bed.

Any thing which vails or conceals; a screen; disguise; superficial appearance. Affected gravity may serve as a cover for a deceitful heart.

Shelter; defense; protection. The troops fought under cover of the batteries.

Concealment and protection. The army advanced under cover of the night.