protectory

noun

pro·​tec·​to·​ry prə-ˈtek-t(ə-)rē How to pronounce protectory (audio)
plural protectories
dated
: an institution for the protection and care of abandoned, neglected, destitute, or delinquent children

Examples of protectory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web So for him, it's been a great protectory. Arizona Republic, 5 Aug. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'protectory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of protectory was in 1865

Dictionary Entries Near protectory

Cite this Entry

“Protectory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protectory. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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