tutor Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a person who gives private instruction (as in singing, acting, etc.)
coach; private instructor.
verb be a tutor to someone; give individual instruction
- She tutored me in Spanish
verb act as a guardian to someone

OE. tutour, L. tutor, fr. tueri to watch, defend: cf. F. tuteur. Cf. Tuition.

One who guards, protects, watches over, or has the care of, some person or thing. Specifically: -- (a) A treasurer; a keeper. "Tutour of your treasure." Piers Plowman. (b) (Civ. Law) One who has the charge of a child or pupil and his estate; a guardian. (c) A private or public teacher. (d) (Eng. Universities) An officer or member of some hall, who instructs students, and is responsible for their discipline. (e) (Am. Colleges) An instructor of a lower rank than a professor.

imperfect & past participle Tutored ; present participle & verbal noun Tutoring

To have the guardianship or care of; to teach; to instruct.
Their sons are well tutored by you. Shak.
To play the tutor toward; to treat with authority or severity. Addison.