protectorate

Meaning

Noun

• Government by a protector; especially, the government of England, Scotland, and Ireland by Oliver Cromwell.
• 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 but the protected state retains its nominal sovereignty.
• An autonomous territory that is protected diplomatically or militarily against third parties by a stronger state or entity.

Origin

• protector + -ate