~~PROTECTIVE~~
(does NOT signify Ownership)
This is a collar worn by a new submissive at public events to denote that s/he is under the protection of a dominant so s/he can comfortably enjoy the event and socialize without being continuously "hit on". Often a dominant will take a new submissive who is unsure of him/herself under His/Her wing and keep an eye on him/her. The collar is a sign to other dominants that s/he is under the care of another and that any approaches or negotiations should be made through Her/Him.
There is no relationship otherwise implied, the Dominant is NOT the submissive's Master or Mistress and the protection collar is returned to the Dominant at the end of the event.
Online.. No one can protect a submissive except him or her self; therefore the Protective Collar is given by a Dominant to a submissive, usually to protect him/her against "him/herself". i.e.: a submissive can NOT enter into courtship or play with other Dominants without his/her Protector's permission.
In msn.com D/s chat rooms this collar is signified by _c i.e.: Dominant’s Name