Webster's English Dictionary

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protectorate

pro.tec.tor.ate \-'tek-t(*-)r*t\ n 1a: government by a protector  1b: the 
   government of England (1653-59) under the Cromwells  1c: the rank, office, 
   or period of rule of a protector  2a: the relationship of superior 
   authority assumed by one power or state ov er a dependent one 2b: the 
   dependent political unit in such a relationship