/preuh tek"teuhr it/ , n.
1. the relation of a strong state toward a weaker state or territory that it protects and partly controls.
2. a state or territory so protected.
3. the office or position, or the term of office, of a protector.
4. the government of a protector.
5. ( cap. ) Eng. Hist. the period (1653-59) during which Oliver and Richard Cromwell held the title of Lord Protector, sometimes extended to include the period of the restoration of the Rump Parliament (1659-60).
[ 1685-95; PROTECTOR + -ATE 3 ]