Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Protector
Pro-tect′or
,Noun.
[L.: cf. F.
protecteur
.] 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.)
One having the care of the kingdom during the king's minority; a regent.
Is it concluded he shall be
protector
! Shakespeare
3.
(R. C. Ch.)
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).
Webster 1828 Edition
Protector
PROTECT'OR
,Noun.
1.
In England, one who formerly had the care of the kingdom during the king's minority; a regent. Cromwell assumed the title of lord Protector.2.
In catholic countries, every nation and every religious order has a protector residing at Rome. He is a cardinal, and called cardinal protector.