transitive. To screen, protect from attack. Obsolete.

figurative. esp. in phrases. to stand in the gap: to act as defender. to open a gap: to give access, afford passage or opportunity. to stop a gap…

transitive. To be or provide a shelter for. To screen from pursuit, attack, blows, etc.

to cover a siege, etc.: to protect the besieging army from attack.

transitive. Military. Of a detachment of troops: to conceal (the main body of an army or its movements) from the enemy by forming a screen (screen…