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tutelar

tutelary

adjective too-teh-LAHR Rare
People & Society Law

Origin: From Latin tutelaris, from tutela ('guardianship, protection').

Also means

guardian

Usage Note

Tutelar describes a protective or guardian role, as in deidad tutelar ('tutelary deity') or juez tutelar de menores ('juvenile guardian judge'). In Spanish law el juzgado de tutela handles cases involving minors and incapacitated persons; the adjective tutelar applies to its jurisdiction and decisions. It is also used as a verb (tutelar = 'to exercise guardianship over'), so context determines the part of speech.

Examples

"El ángel tutelar protegía a los viajeros."

Natural Translation

The tutelary angel protected travellers.

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