protector

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., quotee, “Highlights from Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s...
   • They [the Lightners] were like Gods to us. Our protectors. Our creators. Those who gave us purpose... Then, one day we were all locked away in this prison... And the Lightners never returned. - 2018 October 31, Toby...

   1. (multiplicity slang) A headmate who primarily fronts, or otherwise protects the system, in situations where the system is at risk of psychological harm.

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. One having the care of the kingdom during the king's minority; a regent.
   • My Lord Protector, ’tis his Highnes pleaſure, You do prepare to ride vnto S. Albons, / Where as the King and Queene do mean to Hawke. - 1591 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Second Part of Henry the Sixt, […]”,...
6. 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.