Pro*tec"tion (?), n. [L. protectio: cf. F. protection.]
1. The act of
protecting, or the state of being protected; preservation from loss, injury, or annoyance; defense; shelter; as, the weak need protection.
To your protection I commend me, gods.
Shak. 2. That which protects or preserves from injury; a defense; a shield; a refuge.
Let them rise
up . . . and be your protection.
Deut. xxxii.
38. 3. A writing that protects or secures from molestation or arrest; a pass; a safe-conduct; a passport.
He . . . gave them protections under his hand.
Macaulay. 4. (Polit. Econ.) A theory, or a policy, of
protecting the producers in a country from foreign competition in the home market by the
imposition of such discriminating
duties on goods of foreign production as will restrict or prevent their importation; --
opposed to free trade.
Writ
of protection. (Law) (a) A writ by which the king formerly exempted a person from
arrest; -- now disused.
[Eng.] Blackstone. (b) A judicial writ issued to a
person required to attend court, as party, juror, etc., intended to secure him
from arrest in coming, staying, and returning.
Syn. -- Preservation;
defense; guard; shelter; refuge; security; safety.
Hear it pronounced