protector

Etymology

From Middle English protectour, from Anglo-Norman protectour, protector, from Latin prōtector, from prōtegō (“shield, protect”). Displaced native Old English sċildend.

noun

1. Someone who protects or guards, by assignment or on their own initiative.
   I stand before you in the spirit of pure public service — not as a protector of the status quo, but as an agent of change. 2005 January 3, Jon Huntsman Jr., quoted in “Highlights from Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s inauguration speech”, Deseret News, 4 January 2005
2. A device or mechanism which is designed to protect.
3. One who prevents interference.
4. A state or other subject under international law, exercising a protectorate over another subject in international law.
5. (UK, historical) One having the care of the kingdom during the king's minority; a regent.
6. (Roman Catholicism) 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.