<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>a person or thing that protects; defender; guardian.</li><li>English History: a person in charge of the kingdom during the sovereign's minority, incapacity, or absence.</li><li>(initial capital letter) 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).</li></ul>