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evolent spirits of the dead, especially of dead ancestors, regarded as family deities and protectors. Hail, O ye holy manes! Dryden.

A patron; a protector.

protection; tutelary. Dryden. Patron saint (R. C. Ch.), a saint regarded as the peculiar protector of a country, community, church, profession, etc., or of an individual.

To assume the air of a patron, or of a superior and protector, toward; -- used in an unfavorable sense; as, to patronize one's equals.

A protector; a guardian; a presiding genius. [Obs.] Just Apollo, president of verse. Waller.

corum; treating superiors with contempt; impudent; insolent; as, a saucy fellow. Am I not protector, saucy priest Shak.

To accompany as an assistant or protector; to care for the wants of; to look after; to watch; to guard; as, shepherds tend their flocks. Shak. And flaming ministers to watch and tend Their earthly charge. Milton. There 's not a sparrow or a wren, There 's not a blade of autumn grain, Which the four seasons do not tend…

very high; hence, to soar. On the other side an high rock towered still. Spenser. My lord protector's hawks do tower so well. Shak.

One who, or that which, guards; garrison; defender; protector; means of guarding; defense; protection. For the best ward of mine honor. Shak. The assieged castle's ward Their steadfast stands did mightily maintain. Spenser. For want of other ward, He lifted up his hand, his front to guard. Dryden.