Tutelary Noun Tutelarius Tutela Too Tuh Lair Ee Adjective Guardianship Person

adjective

1. Having the guardianship of a person or a thing.

2. Of or relating to a guardian.

["Tutelary" derives from the Latin noun "tutelarius," meaning "guardian." "Tutelarius," in turn, was formed by combining the word "tutela" ("protection" or "guardian") and "-arius," a suffix that implies belonging and connection. A more familiar descendant of "tutela" in English might be "tutelage," which initially described an act or process of serving as a guardian or protector but has also come to refer to teaching or influence. If you suspect that "tutor" is also related, you are correct. "Tutelary" can also be a noun referring to a power (such as a deity) who acts as a guardian.]

The ancient Romans revered certain gods and goddesses as tutelary deities.