Pro-tēct’or, n.
n. [Lat., It. protettore, Sp., Pg., & Pr. protector, Fr. protecteur.]
Sense 1. One who defends or shields from injury, evil, or oppression; a defender; a guardian.
For the world's protector shall be known. Waller.
Sense 2. One who had the care of the kingdom during the king's minority; a regent. [Eng.]
Is it concluded he shall be protector? Shak.
Sense 3. A cardinal who looks after the interests, at Rome, of a Roman Catholic nation or religious order.