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Tutelary

[TYOO-dl-er-ee]

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: Latin, early 17th century

1.

Serving as a protector, guardian, or patron; relating to protection or a guardian.

Examples of Tutelary in a sentence

"The state police provided tutelary services to the former governor."

"Adam’s aunt was a tutelary presence in his childhood."

About Tutelary

This word comes from the Late Latin “tutelarius,” meaning "a guardian," originally from the Latin “tutela,” meaning "protection, watching."

Did you Know?

History is filled with tutelary deities who were deemed guardians of everything from a specific location or person to specific occupations. Ancient Greek and Roman religions believed in personal, tutelary gods for individuals from birth to death.

illustration Tutelary

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