Main Entry: pro·tec·tor·ate

Pronunciation: \-ˈtek-t(ə-)rət\

Function: noun

Date: 1692

1 a : government by a protector b capitalized : the government of England (1653–59) under the Cromwells c : the rank, office, or period of rule of a protector
2 a : the relationship of superior authority assumed by one power or state over a dependent one b : the dependent political unit or territory in such a relationship