The act of protecting, or the state of being protected;
preservation from loss, injury, or annoyance; defense; shelter; as, the
weak need protection.

That which protects or preserves from injury; a
defense; a shield; a refuge.

A writing that protects or secures from molestation or
arrest; a pass; a safe-conduct; a passport.

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.