1. the position, office, or period of rule of a protector, especially one who governs a country during the minority, absence, or incapacity of the sovereign
Usage: historical; political
2. the relationship or role of protecting someone or something

Examples

• Oliver Cromwell’s protectorship lasted from 1653 to 1658.
• The council established a protectorship over the young prince.
• During the protectorship, many political reforms were implemented.
• His protectorship of the estate continued until the heir came of age.
• The protectorship ended when the rightful ruler returned from exile.
• She accepted the protectorship of the orphaned children.