释义 |
cov·ert I. \ˈkəvə(r)]t, ˈkōvə(r)]t, -ōˌvər]t, -ōˌvə̄]t, -ōˌvəi]t, usu ]d.+V\ adjective Etymology: Middle English, from Old French (past participle of covrir to cover), from Latin coopertus, past participle of cooperire to cover — more at cover 1. a. : marked by or as if by concealment : kept private : not open, overt, or avowed : hidden, veiled < ostensibly in sympathy but with covert malice > b. : of hidden or doubtful meaning < the covert wording of the message > c. : performed or expressed surreptitiously, with reluctance to admit or avow, or with attempt at concealment < listening to the long story with covert yawns > < at first in covert conversation and now more openly in published works — W.H.Camp > 2. obsolete : secretive, deceitful 3. : covered over, sheltered, and secluded especially in sylvan surroundings < starting from some covert place, saluted the chance comer on the road — William Wordsworth > 4. of a woman : married and under cover, authority, or protection of the husband — see feme covert 5. a. : subconsciously motivated : implicit rather than explicit : underlying < covert behavior > < covert needs > b. : not sanctioned or allowed open social expression < covert cultural configurations and values > Synonyms: see secret II. \ˈkəvə(r)]t, ˈkōvə(r)]t, usu ]d.+V; Brit often ˈkəvə(r\ noun (-s) Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from covert, adjective 1. a. : hiding place : shelter, refuge < soldiers firing from coverts > b. : a coppice affording cover for game : a hiding place in such a coppice < the king shot a stag as it broke from covert — S.P.B.Mais > c. : a masking or concealing device < deliberation as a covert for their inactivity > 2. archaic : something that covers : covering < the thick covert on a walnut > < a bed without coverts > 3. : a feather covering the bases of the quills of the wings and tail of a bird — called also tectrix; see bird illustration 4. or covert cloth : a firm durable twilled sometimes waterproofed coating and suiting usually made of mixed-color yarns that give a flecked effect; also : a similar cotton or rayon fabric for sportswear |