Ranger

ranger, n., D&Dism, Tolkien-ism 1. in general usage, the keeper of a British royal park or forest; term originated circa 14th Century. 2. in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, common name for the disposessed Numenorean heirs of the Gondorian throne, who traveled throughout Gondor and Arnor during the Age of the Stewards protecting rural communities beyond the reach of the law. 3. one of the original character classes from Advanced Dungeons & Dragons; a variant on the standard "fighter" class, but with sylvan-based skills and magical abilities; based on the rangers of Tolkien. 4. any character in a fantasy RPG similar to the rangers of Tolkien; combination fighter-mage characters with hunting and tracking skills. [GJ1]