secret or hidden; not openly practiced or engaged in or shown or avowed; covert actions by the CIA; covert funding for the rebels'

a flock of coots

a covering that serves to conceal or shelter something; a screen of trees afforded privacy; under cover of darkness; the brush provided a covert for game; the simplest concealment is to match perfectly the color of the background

[ Syn: screen , cover , concealment ]

(of a wife) being under the protection of her husband; a woman covert'