Protectorate
/prəˈtɛktərət/
Definitions
- (n.) A political territory partly controlled and protected by a stronger sovereign state while retaining some self-government.
The island became a British protectorate in the early 19th century.
- (n.) A state or territory under the protection and partial control of another state in international law.
The protectorate entered into agreements negotiated by the protecting power.
Forms
- protectorate
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Use 'protectorate' to denote a form of limited sovereignty involving external control; distinguish from colony by degree of internal autonomy.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.