1. a country or territory that is controlled and protected by a more powerful country
Usage: political science
2. the relationship of protection and control that exists between a powerful country and a weaker one
Usage: political science

Examples

• The small island nation became a protectorate of Britain in 1890.
• Under the protectorate system, the local rulers maintained some authority.
• France established a protectorate over Tunisia in 1881.
• The protectorate lasted until the country gained full independence.
• Many former protectorates are now sovereign nations.
• The treaty created a protectorate relationship between the two countries.