noun
- plural of protectress; female protectors or guardians
Usage: formal; somewhat archaic
Examples
- The ancient goddesses were seen as protectresses of the city.
- These women served as protectresses of traditional customs.
- The nuns acted as protectresses of the orphaned children.
- Local legends spoke of mystical protectresses watching over travelers.
- The queen and her daughters were regarded as protectresses of the realm.