a person or thing that protects; defender; guardian.
2.
English History.
a person in charge of the kingdom during the sovereign's minority, incapacity, or absence.
(initial capital letter). Also called Lord Protector. the title of the head of the government during the period of the Protectorate, held by Oliver Cromwell (1653–58) and by Richard Cromwell, his son (1658–59).
Origin
1325-75; < Late Latin (see protect, -tor); replacing Middle Englishprotectour < Middle French
Related forms
protectoral, adjective
protectorless, adjective
protectorship, noun
subprotector, noun
subprotectorship, noun
Examples from the web for protector
The species seekers you write about were hardly the sort to set off in lab coat and pocket protector.
Two generations ago a standard uniform identified engineers: white shirt, narrow tie, pocket protector and slide rule.
Anti-inflammatory, protector of astronaut eyes, and excrement of the gods.
And a dead ladybird is hardly any use as a protector.
Clear historical arguments can be made that often religion is the protector and preserver of civilization.
She is loveable, sweet, attentive and is my protector.
Once his protector, she had turned on him the instant he became famous.
Dealers will attach a special protector to the gasoline recirculation tube, which will prevent leakage.
From this time the saint and his monastery found him a benefactor and protector.
The former was a great protector and benefactor to these missionaries, nor did the latter oppose their preaching.
British Dictionary definitions for protector
protector
/prəˈtɛktə/
noun
1.
a person or thing that protects
2.
(history) a person who exercised royal authority during the minority, absence, or incapacity of the monarch
Derived Forms
protectoral, adjective protectress, noun:feminine
Protector
/prəˈtɛktə/
noun
1.
short for Lord Protector, the title borne by Oliver Cromwell (1653–58) and by Richard Cromwell (1658–59) as heads of state during the period known as the Protectorate
Word Origin and History for protector
n.
late 14c., from Old French protector (14c., Modern French protecteur) and directly from Late Latin protector, agent noun from protegere (see protection). Related: Protectoral.