Noun

(en noun)

Someone who protects or guards, by assignment or on their own initiative.

A device or mechanism which is designed to protect.

One who prevents interference.

A state or other subject under international law, exercising a protectorate over another subject in international law.

* Jon Huntsman, Jr.

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.

(UK, historical) One having the care of the kingdom during the king's minority; a regent.

(Shakespeare)

(Roman Catholic) 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.

Noun

(en noun)

A refuge, haven or other cover or protection from something.

* {{quote-book, year=1928, author=Lawrence R. Bourne

, title=Well Tackled! , chapter=7 citation , passage=The detective kept them in view. He made his way casually along the inside of the shelter until he reached an open scuttle close to where the two men were standing talking. Eavesdropping was not a thing Larard would have practised from choice, but there were times when, in the public interest, he had to do it, and this was one of them.}}

An institution that provides temporary housing for homeless people, battered women etc.