'Protective' definitions:

Definition of 'protective'

(from WordNet)
adjective
Intended or adapted to afford protection of some kind; "a protective covering"; "the use of protective masks and equipment"; "protective coatings"; "kept the drunken sailor in protective custody"; "animals with protective coloring"; "protective tariffs" [ant: unprotective]
adjective
Showing care; "a protective mother"
adjective
(usually followed by `of') solicitously caring or mindful; "protective of his reputation"

Definition of 'Protective'

From: GCIDE
  • Protective \Pro*tect"ive\, a. [Cf. F. protectif.] Affording protection; sheltering; defensive. " The favor of a protective Providence." --Feltham. [1913 Webster]
  • Protective coloring (Zool.), coloring which serves for the concealment and preservation of a living organism. Cf. Mimicry. --Wallace.
  • Protective tariff (Polit. Econ.), a tariff designed to secure protection (see Protection, 4.), as distinguished from a tariff designed to raise revenue. See Tariff, and Protection, 4. [1913 Webster]