προστατεύω

A. to be leader or ruler of, εἴτε χοροῦ εἴτε οἴκου εἴτε πόλεως εἴτε στρατεύματος X. Mem. 3.4.6, cf. Hier. 11.5, 7; [θυσίας] IG 42(1).73.34 (Epid., iii B.C., prob.): abs., exercise authority, X. HG 3.3.6, Vect. 5.6; ἐν ταῖς πόλεσιν Id. Mem. 2.8.4.

II. π. ὅπως . . to have authority for providing that . . , provide or take care that . . , Id. An. 5.6.21, Cyr. 1.2.5: with gen. added, π. ἀνθρώπων ὅπως ἕξουσιν . .ib. 1.6.7; cf. sq.

III. hold office of προστάτης 11.3, SIG 241 A 39 (Delph., iv B.C.), IG 14.208 (Acrae).

IV. to be guardian of, regent for, τῶν βασιλέων App. Syr. 52.