Protector
Pronunciation : Pro*tect"or
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [L.: cf. F. protecteur.]
Definition : 1. One who, or that which, defends or shields from injury, evil, oppression, etc.; a defender; a guardian; a patron. For the world's protector shall be known. Waller.
2. (Eng. Hist.)
Defn: One having the care of the kingdom during the king's minority; a regent. Is it concluded he shall be protector ! Shak.
3. (R. C. Ch.)
Defn: A cardinal, from one of the more considerable Roman Catholic nations, who looks after the interests of his people at Rome; also, a cardinal who has the same relation to a college, religious order, etc. Lord Protector (Eng. Hist.), the title of Oliver Cromwell as supreme governor of the British Commonwealth (1653-1658).
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913