cov·er·ture \ˈkəvərˌchu̇(ə)r, -_chər\noun (-s) Etymology: Middle English, from Old French, from covert (past participle of covrir to cover) + -ure 1. a.: a decorative or protective covering b.: shelter, protection, disguise 2.: the legal status of a woman during marriage and under the cover, authority, and protection of her husband