Etymology

Attested in since 1530, from protectus "covered, protected", pp. of protegere "to cover the front, protect" from pro- + tegere "to cover". More at thatch. Displaced native helien, forhelian "to conceal, protect" (from helian, forhelian "to conceal, cover, hide"), bischilden, beschielden "to protect" (from schild, shelde "shield"), berwen, bergen "to protect, preserve" (from beorgan "to protect, preserve"), mundien, mounden "to protect" (from mundian "to protect, watch over, act as guardian over").

Verb

1. To keep safe; to defend; to guard; to prevent harm coming to.