— protectional , adj.
/preuh tek"sheuhn/ , n.
1. the act of protecting or the state of being protected; preservation from injury or harm.
2. a thing, person, or group that protects: This vaccine is a protection against disease.
3. patronage.
4. Insurance. coverage (def. 1).
5. Informal.
a. money paid to racketeers for a guarantee against threatened violence.
b. bribe money paid to the police, politicians, or other authorities for overlooking criminal activity.
6. Econ. protectionism.
7. a document that assures safety from harm, delay, or the like, for the person, persons, or property specified in it.
8. Archaic. a document given by the U.S. customs authorities to a sailor traveling abroad certifying that the holder is a citizen of the U.S.
[ 1275-1325; ME proteccio ( u ) n protection- (s. of protectio ) a covering in front. See PROTECT, -ION ]
Syn. 1. security, refuge, safety. 2. guard, defense, shield, bulwark. See cover. 3. aegis, sponsorship. 7. pass, permit.