Main Entry:

pro·tec·tor·ate

Pronunciation:

\-ˈtek-t(ə-)rət\

Function:

noun

Date:

1692

1 a: government by a protector bcapitalized : the government of England (1653–59) under the Cromwells c: the rank, office, or period of rule of a protector2 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