Main Entry:

pro·tec·tor

Pronunciation:

\prə-ˈtek-tər\

Function:

noun

Date:

14th century

1 a: one that protects : guardian b: a device used to prevent injury : guard2 a: one having the care of a kingdom during the king's minority : regent b: the executive head of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1653 to 1659 —called also Lord Protector of the Commonwealth

— pro·tec·tor·ship \-ˌship\ noun