Lewis & Short

prōtector, ōris, m. [protego].

  1. I. In gen., a coverer; trop., a protector (post-class.): legum protectores, Tert. Apol. 6; Vulg. Psa. 17, 3.
  2. II. In partic., one of the lifeguard or body-guard (post-class.): inter protectores suos, Spart. Carac. 7; Amm. 14, 7, 9; Cod. Th. 6, 24; Inscr. Grut. 1028, 2 al.