n.
Pronunciation: - ' tek-t( ə -)r ə t
Function: noun
Date: 1692
1 a : 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
2 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