Pro*tect"or (?), n. [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 !
Shak.
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).
Hear it pronounced