释义 |
pro·tec·tor·ate \-t(ə)rə̇t sometimes -təˌrāt, usu -d.+V\ noun (-s) 1. a. : government by a protector (as of a kingdom) < conditions in England under the Cromwellian protectorate > b. : the rank, office, or period of rule of a protector < during the protectorate > < succeeded to the protectorate > 2. a. : the relationship of superior authority assumed by one power or state over a dependent political unit < conceded to Russia a virtual protectorate over Manchuria — J.A.S.Grenville > b. : the period during which such a relationship is maintained c. : the authority assumed by the predominant state in such a relationship d. : the dependent political unit in such a relationship: (1) : a territorial unit under the political control and protection of a larger and more powerful state especially in the areas of defense and foreign relations (2) : a dependent territory usually having only rudimentary political institutions over which a larger and more powerful country exercises the powers of government without having legal possession; specifically : one having in effect although not in law the status of a British colony and as a result governed in both internal and external affairs by the British government although technically not constituting a part of the dominions of the crown (3) : protected state |