protectorate

  1. Noun.  Government by a protector; -- applied especially to the government of England by Oliver Cromwell.
  2. Noun.  The authority assumed by a superior power over an inferior or a dependent one, whereby the former protects the latter from invasion and shares in the management of its affairs.
  3. Noun.  An autonomous territory that is protected diplomatically or militarily against third parties by a stronger state or entity.

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.