Protamoeba 
Protainoeba(l>!'o-l;i-iiii''liii), ". [NL.,< Or. JT/JW- 
n<f, first, + NL. Amoebu.] A genus of Mottera, 
or myxopodous l'roti>:<Mi, with lobate, not fila- 
mentous, pseudopods. See I'rotogeue*. 
It is open to doubt, however, whether either rrotmnir- 
6a, I'rutoKfiii'!". or Myxodlctyum It anything but one 
stage of a cycle of forma which are more completely, 
though perhaps not yet wholly, represented by Dome other 
very interesting Monera. Iliuiey, Anat Invert., p. 75. 
protamceban (pro-ta-me'ban), a. and n. I. a. 
Having the characters of Prolamoeba. 
II. N. A member of the genus I'rotamoeba. 
protamphirhine (pro-tam'n-rin), n. [< Or. jry>d- 
roc, first, + NL. OMpMrMmw; see ampliirMne.'] 
The hypothetical primitive ancestral form of 
vertebrates having paired nostrils. See am- 
phirhine, monorhine. 
From thi Protamphirhine were developed, in divergent 
lines, the true Sharks, Rays, and Chlmasra ; the Ganoids, 
and the Dlpneusta. 
Huxley, Critiques and Addresses, p. 284. 
protandric (pro-tan'drik), a. [As protandr-y + 
-ic.] In hot., same as prottmdrouii. 
protandrous (pro-tan'drus), a. [As protandr-y 
+ -OILS.] In bet., same as proterandrons. 
protandry (pro-tan'dri), . [< Gr. Trpwrof, first, 
-I- av>ip (avdfi-), male (in mod. bot. stamen).] In 
lot., same as proterandry. 
The terms protandry and protogyny used by Hildebrand 
to express, in the one case the development of the sta- 
mens before the pistils, in the other case the development 
of the pistils before the stamens, are so convenient and 
expressive that they have been adopted in this paper. 
Nature. 
pro tanto (pro tan'to). [L. : pro, for, so far 
as; tttnto, abl. sing. neut. of tantitu, so much.] 
For so much ; to that extent. 
protarch (pro'tUrk), n. [< Gr. TJ/IOTOI;, first, + 
apxt'v, rule.] A chief ruler. 
4792 
Protea (pro'te-a), H. [NL. (Linnaeus, 1737), 
so called in allusion to the numerous forms 
naturally taken by these shrubs, and especial- 
ly the many new forms and the loss of satiny 
surfaces when first cultivated; < Gr. U/turti-c, 
Proteus, a sea-god fabled to change himself 
into any shape he wished: see 1'rotevs.] A 
genus of apetalous shrubs, the type of the 
order ProteaceB and tribe I'roteea. it is charac- 
teriied by a slender two-lipped and prolonged calyx, with 
the narrow upper segment separate to the base at flower- 
ing, and the three others forming an entire or toothed 
broader lower lip, by the four sessile anthers l)orne on 
the calyx and tipped with a prolonged connective, and 
by the fruit, a hairy nut tipped with the smooth persis- 
tent style. There are about 60 species, natives of South 
Africa, one or two extending north Into Abyssinia. They 
bear alternate or scattered rigid entire leaves, of many 
shapes In the different species, and flowers in large dense 
round or cone-like heads, with numerous overlapping 
scales between, which are sometimes conspicuous and 
colored, especially red or purple. P. cynaroidet Is known 
In the age of the Apostles and the age next succeeding, 
the highest order In the church under the Apostles were 
national protanhs or patriarchs. 
Abp. Bramhall, Works, II. 149. (Daviex.) 
protarsUS (pro-tiir'sus), .; pi. protami (-si). 
[NL., < Gr. irpo, before, + ra/iaoi;, >NL. tiirgim.~] 
In rntom., the whole tarsus of the first or fore 
leg of a six-footed insect, in front of the meso- 
tarsus, which in turn is succeeded by the meta- 
tarsus. 
protasis (prot'a-sis), H. [< L. protiixix, < Gr. 
v/ioraaic, a stretching forward, a proposition, < 
Tr/toTtivnv, stretch forward, < ir/in, forward, + 
Tf/ww, stretch, extend : see tend.] 1. A prop- 
osition; a maxim. Jolinxim. [Rare.] 2. In 
i/niiii. and rhrt., the first clause of a condi- 
tional sentence, being the condition on which 
the main term (iinodoxis) depends, or notwith- 
standing which it takes place: as, if we run 
( protaxi*), we shall be in time (itjmdoxitt) ; al- 
though he was incompetent (protasis), he was 
elected (apodoxin). Bee upodnxix. 3. In the 
ancient drama, the first part of a play, in which 
the several pel-sons are shown, their characters 
intimated, and the subject proposed and en- 
tered on : opposed to cpitaxix. 
I will . . . returne to thee. gentle reader, because thou 
shall be both the protati* and catastrophe of my epistle. 
Timaf Whittle (E. E. T. S.X p. 111. 
Now, gentlemen, what censure you of our protiuu, or 
first act? B. Jmwon, Magnetick Lady, i. 1. 
4. In anc. pros., the first colon of a dicolic 
verse or period . 
protastacine (pro-tas'ta-sin), n. [< I'nttax- 
taru* + -iiir!.] Having the character of I'ro- 
tnxlHcnx; primitive or ancestral as regards 
crawfishes. 
The common pmUutaciue form Is to be sought in the 
Trias. Huxley, Crayfish, vi. 
Protastacus (pro-tas'ta-kus), . (NL., < Gr. 
TrpuTor, first, -r aaranof, a lobster.] A hypo- 
thetical ancestral marine form from which the 
existing fluviatile Potumobiidee and I'araxtit- 
cidie may have been developed. Huxley, 1878. 
protatic (pro-tat'ik), a. [< L. protaticvx, < Gr. 
vporariKoc, pertaining to a protasis, < vp6raaif, a 
protasis: see protimia.'] Of or pertaining to a 
protasis ; introductory. 
There are Indeed some protatick persons in the ancients 
whom they make use of In their plays either to hear or 
gtre the relation. Drydrn, Essay on Dram. Poesy. 
Protaxonia (pro-tak-so'ni-ft), . pi. [NL., < Gr. 
jr/wJrw;, first, + n^uv, axis.] In morpMcff, 
axonial organic forms all of whose parts lire 
arranged round a main axis: correlated witli 
Honuisoiiin. The I'rotaxonia are divided into 
ifoiuiroiiiu mid xtiiiirnstmiti. 
protaxonial (prd-tak-so'ni-al), a. [< rmi<u- 
,iin + -til.] 1 1 vine nil pin-ts arranged round 
a main axis; of or pertaining to rri>l<isi>niii. 
Rranrh of rrvlftt inrllt/'ra, with inflorescence. 
a. a flower ; ft. the hairy mit with the persistent style. 
as the Cape artifhnlrc./lnirrr, antl /'. melltfrrn as the Cape 
hinifiimclclf, hansy-famr, ur nujar-tnwh. The latter con- 
tains in its flower-cup an abundant sweet water}' liquor, 
valued us a remedy for coughs. 
Proteaces (pro-te-a'sf-e), . /''. [NL. (R. 
Brown, 180!)), < J'rotea + -urnr.] A large and 
very distinct order of apetalous plants of the 
series Daplinalen, characterized by the four val- 
vate calyx-lobes, four opposite stamens, one- 
celled ovary and one or two ovules, and further 
distinguished from the nearly related laurel 
family by its anthers opening, not by a valve, 
but by a longitudinal line. It Includes about flSO 
species and 52 genera, mainly South African or Australian 
shrubs or trees, with some in .South America, Asia, and 
the South Pacific. They are classed in two series, A'u- 
cumentaceie, with four tribes, hearing a nut or drupe, and 
FoUiciilarct, with three, bearing follicle or capsule. Kear- 
ly all bear alternate or scattered coriaceous leaves, often 
polymorphous and entire, toothed, or dissected on the 
same plant. The flowers are usually in a head, spike, or 
raceme, set with numerous bracts, which often harden 
Into an imbricated cone in fruit. For important genera, 
see Protea (the type), Petrojthila ' , Permonia, llanlcnn, Ore- 
riilra, and Halcfa. 
proteaceous (pro-te-a'shius), <i. [< NL. Pro- 
tea + -AMOtW.J Of or pertaining to the Protc- 
aetm. 
Protean (pro'te-an), it. and . [< Proteiu (see 
def.) + -.] !.". 1. Pertaining to Proteus, 
a sea-god of classical mythology, who could 
change his shape at will ; hence, readily assum- 
ing different shapes; exceedingly variable. 
Your Protean turnings cannot change my purpose. 
Btau. and Ft., Thierry and Theodoret, Iv. 2. 
All the Protean transformations of nature, which hap- 
pen continually. Cudirnrth, Intellectual System, p. 32. 
2. [1. c.] In row/., changeable in form; execut- 
ing movements involving shifting of shape, as 
an animalcule; amcebiform or amosboid ; amo?- 
ban; of or pertaining to a proteus-animalcule. 
Also proteijoriH. Protean animalcules, Aina-bar.- 
Protean stone, a kind of semi-translucent artificial stone 
prepared from gypsum. 
II. n. [/. c.~\ 1. An actor who plays a num- 
l>cr of parts in one piece. [Theatrical slang.] 
2. A salamander of the family I'rotcidx; a 
protciil. 
Proteana (pro-te-a'nft). .;>/. [NL.: see I'm- 
II-HII.] Same s /'rotnnnyxa. K. It. Lttnki *!< i . 
Proteanly (pr6'te-au-li),.f/r. In a Protean 
mariner; with assumption of different shapes. 
protection 
\Vhlch matter of the universe Is alwales substantially 
the same, and neither more nor less, but only Protean!)/ 
transformed Into different shapes. 
CuduwrtA, Intellectual System, p. 30. 
protect (pro-tekf), r. t. [< OF. jtrotecter, < L. 
protectus, pp. of protegere (> It. proteggere = 
Sp. Pg.protet/er = P. protegcr), protect, defend, 
cover before or over, < pro, before, in front of, 
+ tegere, cover, roof: see tegument.] 1. To 
cover or shield from danger, harm, damage, 
trespass, exposure, insult, temptation, or the 
like; defend; guard; preserve in safety: ap- 
plied with a wide range, both literally and fig- 
uratively, actively and passively. 
The gods of Greece protect you ! Khak. , Pericles, I. 4. 97. 
CapUin, or Colonel, or Knight in amis. 
Whose chance on these defenceless doors may seize, . . . 
Guard them, and him within protect from harms. 
Milton, Sonnets, ill. 
As the good shepherd tends his fleecy care, . . . 
By day o'ersees them, and by night pratcctt. 
Pope, Messiah, I. 62. 
It Is plain, as a matter of fact, that the great mass of 
men are protected from gross sin by the forms of society. 
J. II. Newman, Parochial Sermons, i. 131. 
Six fresh plants were protected (from Insects) by separate 
nets in (he year 1870. Two of these proved almost com- 
pletely self-sterile. 
Darwin, Cross and Self Fertilisation, p. 338. 
2. To act as protector or regent for. Compare 
protector, 1 (a). 
Car. He will l>e found a dangerous protector. 
BucJf. Why should he, then, protect our sovereign, 
He being of age to govern of himself? 
Sltalc., 2 Hen. VI., i 1. 186. 
3. Specifically, in polit. econ., to ^uard or 
strengthen against foreign competition by 
means of a protective duty. 
Whatever increased profits our manufacturers of pro- 
tected articles get, or wnatever increased wages they pay 
their workmen, must come from other classes the con- 
sumers of their products. The Nation, XLVII. 464. 
= Syn. 1. Defend, Shelter, etc. (see keep\ screen, secure, 
protectee'(pro-tek-te'), H. [< protect + -ce l .~\ 
A person protected; a protege. [Rare.] 
Your protfctee, White, was clerk to my cousin. 
W. Taylor, of Norwich, 1807 (Memoirs, II. 198). (Dories.) 
protecter, . See proteetor. 
protectingly (pro-tek'ting-li), adr. [< protect- 
ing, ppr. of jrrotfct, r., + -/J 2 .] In a protecting 
manner; by wav of protection; so as to pro- 
tect. 
The straw-moled Cottages, . . all hidden and protect- 
inffli/ folded up in the valley-folds. 
Carlyh. Sartor Resartns, II. 9. 
protection (pro-tek'shon), . [< F. protection 
= Sp. proteecioii = Pg. protrcqftn = It. protf- 
:ioue, < L. protectto(li-), a covering over, < pro- 
tri/erc, pp. proteetUK, cover over or in front: see 
protect.] 1 . The act of protecting, or the state 
of being protected; defense; shelter or preser- 
vation from loss, injury, or any form of harm 
or evil : as, the protection of good laws ; divine 
protection. 
To your jirotectinn I commend me, gods! 
ShaJt., cyntlieline, II. 2. S. 
<> happy islands, if you know your bliss! 
Strong by the sea's protection, safe by his. 
Kotcmnmon, A Prologue. 
Beauty of that tender and beseeching kind which looks 
for fondness and protection. Irring, Alhambra, p. 827. 
2. That which protects or shields from harm ; 
something that preserves from injury : as, cam- 
phor serves as & protection against moths. 
Let them rise up and help you, and be your protection. 
1 1. in xxxli. 38. 
3. A writing that guarantees protection; a 
passport, safe-conduct, or other writing which 
secures the bearer from molestation; espe- 
cially, a certificate of nationality issued by the 
customs authorities of the United States to sea- 
men who are American citizens. 
The party who procured the commission, one George 
eleven, brought also a protection under the privy signet 
for searching out the great lake of Iracoyce. 
Winthrop, Hist New England, I. 27. 
They |boats| generally belong to Greek masters, who 
have a protection from the convent for twelve mariners, 
and cannot he taken by the Maltese wllhin eighty league* 
of the Holy Land. 
/....',.. Description of the East, II. I. 61. 
He had a priitrctiim during the rebellion. Johnmn. 
4. In polit. icon., the theory, doctrine, or sys- 
tem of fostering or developing the industries of 
a country by menus of imposts on products 
of the miliishirs imported into that country: 
the discoiirnncini'iit of foreign competition 
with the industries of a country by imposing 
import duties, granting monopolies of rum 
merce, etc. Tin- system of protect Ion was little known 
In antiquity, but prevailed extensive!) in the middle 
