Protects C/S (6)
I believe the answer is:
covers
This clue could be a double definition.
'protects' is the first definition.
(covering is a kind of protecting)
'cs' is the second definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for covers that I've seen before include "Forms a layer over" , "Bedclothes" .)