Regulator /(-l?`t?r)/

Reg·u·la·tor

Regulator

n.
  1. One who, or that which, regulates.
  2. A contrivance for regulating and controlling motion (Mach.)
  3. A clock, or other timepiece, used as a standard of correct time. See Astronomical clock (a), under Clock.
  4. A member of a volunteer committee which, in default of the lawful authority, undertakes to preserve order and prevent crimes; also, sometimes, one of a band organized for the comission of violent crimes. [U.S.]
    A few stood neutral, or declared in favor of the Regulators.