The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Refuge \Ref"uge\ (r?f"?j), n. [F. r['e]fuge, L. refugium, fr.
   refugere to flee back; pref. re- + figere. SEe Fugitive.]
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   1. Shelter or protection from danger or distress.
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            Rocks, dens, and caves! But I in none of these
            Find place or refuge.                 --Milton.
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            We might have a strong consolation, who have fled
            for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.
                                                  --Heb. vi. 18.
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   2. That which shelters or protects from danger, or from
      distress or calamity; a stronghold which protects by its
      strength, or a sanctuary which secures safety by its
      sacredness; a place inaccessible to an enemy.
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            The high hills are a refuger the wild goats. --Ps.
                                                  civ. 18.
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            The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed.
                                                  --Ps. ix. 9.
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   3. An expedient to secure protection or defense; a device or
      contrivance.
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            Their latest refuge
            Was to send him.                      --Shak.
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            Light must be supplied, among gracefulrefuges, by
            terracing ??? story in danger of darkness. --Sir H.
                                                  Wotton.
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   Cities of refuge (Jewish Antiq.), certain cities appointed
      as places of safe refuge for persons who had committed
      homicide without design. Of these there were three on each
      side of Jordan. --Josh. xx.

   House of refuge, a charitable institution for giving
      shelter and protection to the homeless, destitute, or
      tempted.
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   Syn: Shelter; asylum; retreat; covert.
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Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856):

HOUSE OF REFUGE, punishment. The name given to a prison for juvenile
delinquents. These houses are regulated in the United States on the most
humane principles, by special local laws.