Tutelary democracy. See examples of tutelary used in a sentence. When a minor is involved, tutelary powers frequently accompany powers of attorney. Tutelary derives from the Latin noun tutelarius, meaning "guardian. having the position of guardian or protector of a person, place, or thing: tutelary saint. A tutelary refers to something or someone that serves or acts as a guardian, protector, or mentor, especially in relation to spiritual, intellectual, or moral aspects. . " Tutelarius, in turn, was formed by combining the word tutela ("protection" or "guardian") and -arius, a suffix that implies belonging and connection. Ancient Greek and Roman religions believed in personal, tutelary gods for individuals from birth to death. Synonyms: guardian, protective, spirit, more Visit the English Only Forum. 1. History is filled with tutelary deities who were deemed guardians of everything from a specific location or person to specific occupations. Being or serving as a guardian or protector: tutelary gods. Feb 21, 2026 · Adjective tutelary (comparative more tutelary, superlative most tutelary) Relating to guardianship or protection. Of or relating to a guardian or guardianship. 2. a person who has tutelary powers, as a saint, deity, or guardian. Tutelary derives from the Latin noun tutelarius, meaning "guardian. Also, tu•te•lar (to̅o̅t′ l ər, tyo̅o̅t′ -). See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. of or pertaining to a guardian or guardianship. n. Factsheet What does the word tutelary mean? There are three meanings listed in OED's entry for the word tutelary. tutelary in American English (ˈtuːtlˌeri, ˈtjuːt-) (noun plural -laries) adjective Factsheet What does the word tutelary mean? There are three meanings listed in OED's entry for the word tutelary. tutelary in American English (ˈtuːtlˌeri, ˈtjuːt-) (noun plural -laries) adjective A tutelary refers to something or someone that serves or acts as a guardian, protector, or mentor, especially in relation to spiritual, intellectual, or moral aspects. TUTELARY definition: having the position of guardian or protector of a person, place, or thing. A tutelary (/ ˈtjuːtəlɛri /; also tutelar) is a deity or a spirit who is a guardian, patron, or protector of a particular place, geographic feature, person, lineage, nation, culture, or occupation. The etymology of "tutelary" expresses the concept of safety and thus of guardianship.