protectorate

(prə tektər 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
  3. the government of England under Oliver Cromwell and his son Richard (1653-59)

See protectorate in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. a. A relationship of protection and partial control assumed by a superior power over a dependent country or region.
    b. The protected country or region.
  2. Protectorate
    a. The government, office, or term of a protector.
    b. The government of England under Oliver Cromwell and his son Richard, ruling as Lord Protector of the Commonwealth.

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