Writ of protection

Protection \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.
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            To your protection I commend me, gods. --Shak.
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   2. That which protects or preserves from injury; a defense; a
      shield; a refuge.
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            Let them rise up . . . and be your protection.
                                                  --Deut. xxxii.
                                                  38.
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   3. A writing that protects or secures from molestation or
      arrest; a pass; a safe-conduct; a passport.
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            He . . . gave them protections under his hand.
                                                  --Macaulay.
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   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}.
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   {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.
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   Syn: Preservation; defense; guard; shelter; refuge; security;
        safety.
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