PROTECTORATE
PROTECTORATE protectorate (pr[schwa]-tek-t[schwa]-r[schwa]t). 1. Int’l law. The relationship between a weaker nation and a stronger one when the weaker nation has transferred the management of its more important international affairs to the stronger nation. 2. Int’l law. The weaker or dependent nation within such a relationship. 3. (usu. cap.) The period in British history ¡ª …