Protected me with misplaced ardour (8)

I believe the answer is:

armoured

'protected' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for armoured that I've seen before include "Protected from weapons" , "Protectively covered" , "Well protected" , "protected against attack?" , "bullet-proof?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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