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).