protector

One who protects; a guardian.

A device that protects; a guard.

A person who rules a kingdom during the minority of a sovereign.

The head of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 1653 to 1659.

One who or that which protects, defends, or shields from injury or any evil; a defender; a guardian; a patron: as, a child’s natural protectors.

In English history: One who had the care of the kingdom during the king’s minority or incapacity; a regent: as, the Duke of Somerset was protector in the reign of Edward VI.

[capitalized] The title (in full Lord Protector) of the head of the executive during part of the period of the Commonwealth: it was held by Oliver Cromwell 1653–8, and by Richard Cromwell 1658–9.

In weaving, a stop-motion attached to a power-loom, which immediately stops the loom when the shuttle fails to enter the box.

One who, or that which, defends or shields from injury, evil, oppression, etc.; a defender; a guardian; a patron.