— protectoral , adj. — protectorless , adj. — protectorship , n.
/preuh tek"teuhr/ , n.
1. a person or thing that protects; defender; guardian.
2. Eng. Hist.
a. a person in charge of the kingdom during the sovereign's minority, incapacity, or absence.
b. ( cap. ) Also called Lord Protector . the title of the head of the government during the period of the Protectorate, held by Oliver Cromwell (1653-58) and by Richard Cromwell, his son (1658-59).
[ 1325-75; protectour ]