\Pro*tec"tion\, n. [L. protectio: cf. F. protection.]
1. The act of protecting, or the state of being protected;
   preservation from loss, injury, or annoyance; defense;
   shelter; as, the weak need protection.
         To your protection I commend me, gods. --Shak.
2. That which protects or preserves from injury; a defense; a
   shield; a refuge.
         Let them rise up . . . and be your protection.
                                               --Deut. xxxii.
                                               38.
3. A writing that protects or secures from molestation or
   arrest; a pass; a safe-conduct; a passport.
         He . . . gave them protections under his hand.
                                               --Macaulay.
4. (Polit. Econ.) 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}.
{Writ of protection}. (Law)
   (a) A writ by which the king formerly exempted a person
       from arrest; -- now disused. [Eng.] --Blackstone.
   (b) A judicial writ issued to a person required to attend
       court, as party, juror, etc., intended to secure him
       from arrest in coming, staying, and returning.
Syn: Preservation; defense; guard; shelter; refuge; security;
     safety.