Covert (kvrt), a.
Etymology: [OF. covert, F. couvert, p. p. of couvrir. See Cover, v. t.]
1. Covered over; private; hid; secret; disguised. How covert matters may be best disclosed. Shak. Whether of open war or covert guile. Milton
2. Sheltered; not open or exposed; retired; protected; as, a covert nook. Wordsworth. Of either side the green, to plant a covert alley. Bacon.
3. (Law)
Under cover, authority or protection; as, a feme covert, a married woman who is considered as being under the protection and control of her husband. Covert way, (Fort.) See Covered way, under Covered.
1 more senses
Syn. -- Hidden; secret; private; covered; disguised; insidious; concealed. See Hidden.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Covert, n.
1. A place that covers and protects; a shelter; a defense. A tabernacle . . . for a covert from storm. Is. iv. 6. The highwayman has darted from his covered by the wayside. Prescott.
2. Etym: [Cf. F. couverte.] (Zoöl.)
One of the special feathers covering the bases of the quills of the wings and tail of a bird. See Illust. of Bird.
Shades of meaning
Fernald lists covert only as an antonym, under evident.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.