one who or that which defends or protects by warding off harm-a screen to prevent coals or sparks of an open fire from escaping to the floor.-anything serving as a cushion to lessen the shock when a vessel comes in contact with another vessel or a wharf.-a screen to protect a carriage from mud thrown off the wheels: also, a splashboard.-anything set up to protect an exposed angle, as of a house, from damage by carriage wheels.