protectorate Hear it!

protectorate definition

pro·tec·tor·ate (prə tek′tər it, prō-)

noun

  1. government by a protector
  2. the office or term of office of a protector
    1. the relation of a strong state to a weaker state under its control and protection
    2. a state or territory so controlled and protected
  4. the government of England under Oliver Cromwell and his son Richard (1653-59)

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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