Definition of protectorate
1a
: 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
2a
: 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
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for protectorate
The first known use of protectorate was in 1662
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