Word of the day for December 09, 2012

• tutelary
• \TOO-tuh-lair-ee\

• DEFINITION

adjective

1

: having the guardianship of a person or a thing

2

: of or relating to a guardian

• EXAMPLES

The ancient Romans revered certain gods and goddesses as tutelarydeities.

"You can see a similar restlessness in the range of C.K.'s influences.... Indie film pioneer John Cassavettes may be anothertutelary spirit." — From a review by Adam Wilson in Salon.com, September 25, 2012

• DID YOU KNOW?

"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.

Read more at http://www.merriam-webster.com/word-of-the-day/#FUVVXL6CARsvzciX.99