tutelary

A tutelary is not a special sort of spirit or shrine; the word refers either to a clan shrine, which is theoretically the same for all members, or to the specific shrine or ancestor indicated by a diviner as being a man's own guardian spirit. Each individual has such a tutelary, but will not be aware of its name unless a diviner has been consulted.

When a minor is involved, tutelary powers frequently accompany powers of attorney.

Our contemporaries are constantly excited by two conflicting passions: they want to be led, and they wish to be free. As they cannot destroy either the one or the other of these contrary propensities, they strive to satisfy them both at once. They devise a sole, tutelary, and all-powerful form of government, but elected by the people. They combine the principle of centralization and that of popular sovereignty; this gives them a respite: they console themselves for being in tutelage by the reflection that they have chosen their own guardians.

[T]he goat-herd lived / As calmly, underneath the pleasant brows / Of cool Lucretilis, where the pipe was heard / Of Pan, Invisible God, thrilling the rocks / With tutelary music, from all harm / The fold protecting.

My uncle is always happy to discharge his tutelary responsibilities towards me.