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Noun: protectorate  pru'tek-tu-rut
  1. A state or territory partly controlled by (but not a possession of) a stronger state but autonomous in internal affairs; protectorates are established by treaty
    "a protectorate has frequently been a first step to annexation";
    - associated state

Derived forms: protectorates

Type of: district, dominion, territorial dominion, territory

Encyclopedia: Protectorate