protection

n. [ L. protectio: cf. F. protection. ] 1. The act of protecting, or the state of being protected; preservation from loss, injury, or annoyance; defense; shelter; as, the weak need protection. [ 1913 Webster ]

To your protection I commend me, gods. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That which protects or preserves from injury; a defense; a shield; a refuge. [ 1913 Webster ]

Let them rise up . . . and be your protection. Deut. xxxii. 38. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A writing that protects or secures from molestation or arrest; a pass; a safe-conduct; a passport. [ 1913 Webster ]

He . . . gave them protections under his hand. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Polit. Econ.) A theory, or a policy, of protecting the producers in a country from foreign competition in the home market by the imposition of such discriminating duties on goods of foreign production as will restrict or prevent their importation; -- opposed to free trade. [ 1913 Webster ]

Writ of protection. (Law) (a) A writ by which the king formerly exempted a person from arrest; -- now disused. [ Eng. ] Blackstone. (b) A judicial writ issued to a person required to attend court, as party, juror, etc., intended to secure him from arrest in coming, staying, and returning. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Preservation; defense; guard; shelter; refuge; security; safety. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Polit. Econ.) The doctrine or policy of protectionists. See Protection, 4. [ 1913 Webster ]