What does "protector" mean?

Protector: (Eng. Hist.) One having the care of the kingdom during the king's minority; a regent. Is it concluded he shall be protector ! Shak.

Additional senses

  1. 2.(R. C. Ch.) 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. Lord Protector (Eng. Hist.), the title of Oliver Cromwell as supreme governor of the British Commonwealth (1653-1658).

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