(n) 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, Syn. associated state
n. [ Cf. F. protectorat. ] 1. Government by a protector; -- applied especially to the government of England by Oliver Cromwell. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. The authority assumed by a superior power over an inferior or a dependent one, whereby the former protects the latter from invasion and shares in the management of its affairs. [ 1913 Webster ]
English-Thai: NECTEC'sLexitron-2 Dictionary [with local updates] NECTEC Lexitron Dictionary EN-TH