Definition of subgovernment
plural subgovernments
or sub-governments
: a secondary or subordinate government : an informal or unofficial association of persons or institutions that exercises considerable influence on a formal government or organization
- It was an opportunity to enter the elite world of intellectuals and military men who form a subgovernment within the executive branch.
- —Neil Sheehan
- … a peek into the secret subgovernment of the Cold War.
- —Richard Reeves
