Definition of
Haven
- (noun, artifact) a shelter serving as a place of safety or sanctuary
- (noun, location) a sheltered port where ships can take on or discharge cargo
via WordNet, Princeton University
Origin of the word Haven
- O.E. h?fen, from O.N. hofn, from P.Gmc. *khafnaz (cf. M.L.G. havene, Ger. Hafen), perhaps from PIE *kap- "to seize, hold contain" (see have), but cf. also O.N. haf, O.E. h?f "sea." Figurative sense of "refuge," now practically the only sense, is early 13c. more
via Online Etymology Dictionary, ©2001 Douglas Harper