to overspread the surface of (one thing) with another; as, to cover wood with paint or lacquer; to cover a table with a cloth.-to envelop; to clothe, as with a mantle or cloak.-to invest (one's self with something); to bring upon (one's self); as, he covered himself with glory.-to hide sight; to conceal; to cloak; as, the enemy were covered from our sight by the woods.-to brood or sit on; to incubate.-to shelter, as from evil or danger; to protect; to defend; as, the cavalry covered the retreat.-to remove from remembrance; to put away; to remit.-to extend over; to be sufficient for; to comprehend, include, or embrace; to account for or solve; to counterbalance; as, a mortgage which fully covers a sum loaned on it; a law which covers all possible cases of a crime; receipts than do not cover expenses.-to put the usual covering or headdress on.-to copulate with (a female); to serve; as, a horse covers a mare; -- said of the male.-anything which is laid, set, or spread, upon, about, or over, another thing; an envelope; a lid; as, the cover of a book.-anything which veils or conceals; a screen; disguise; a cloak.-shelter; protection; as, the troops fought under cover of the batteries; the woods afforded a good cover.-the woods, underbrush, etc., which shelter and conceal game; covert; as, to beat a cover; to ride to cover.-the lap of a slide valve.-a tablecloth, and the other table furniture; esp., the table furniture for the use of one person at a meal; as, covers were laid for fifty guests.-to spread a table for a meal; to prepare a banquet.