-t(ə)rə̇t sometimes -təˌrāt, usu -d.+V noun
( -s )
1.
a. : government by a protector (as of a kingdom)
conditions in England under the Cromwellian protectorate
b. : the rank, office, or period of rule of a protector
during the protectorate
succeeded to the protectorate
2.
a. : the relationship of superior authority assumed by one power or state over a dependent political unit
conceded to Russia a virtual protectorate over Manchuria — J.A.S.Grenville
b. : the period during which such a relationship is maintained
c. : the authority assumed by the predominant state in such a relationship
d. : the dependent political unit in such a relationship:
(1) : a territorial unit under the political control and protection of a larger and more powerful state especially in the areas of defense and foreign relations
(2) : a dependent territory usually having only rudimentary political institutions over which a larger and more powerful country exercises the powers of government without having legal possession ; specifically : one having in effect although not in law the status of a British colony and as a result governed in both internal and external affairs by the British government although technically not constituting a part of the dominions of the crown
(3) : protected state