protectorate

[ pruh-tek-ter-it ]
/ prəˈtɛk tər ɪt /

noun

the relation of a strong state toward a weaker state or territory that it protects and partly controls.
a state or territory so protected.
the office or position, or the term of office, of a protector.
the government of a protector.
(initial capital letter) English History. the period (1653–59) during which Oliver and Richard Cromwell held the title of Lord Protector, sometimes extended to include the period of the restoration of the Rump Parliament (1659–60).

Origin of protectorate

First recorded in 1685–95; protector + -ate3

Example sentences from the Web for protectorate

British Dictionary definitions for protectorate

protectorate
/ (prəˈtɛktərɪt) /

noun

  1. a territory largely controlled by but not annexed to a stronger state
  2. the relation of a protecting state to its protected territory
the office or period of office of a protector

Cultural definitions for protectorate

protectorate
[ (pruh-tek-tuhr-uht) ]

A relationship between a strong sovereign nation and a weak nation or area not recognized as a nation. Once the strong nation has established a protectorate over a weak nation, it can control the latter's affairs.