<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>the relation of a strong state toward a weaker state or territory that it protects and partly controls.</li><li>a state or territory so protected.</li><li>the office or position, or the term of office, of a protector.</li><li>the government of a protector.</li><li>(initial capital letter) English History: the period (1653–59) during which Oliver and Richard Cromwell held the title of Lord Protector, sometimes extended to include the period of the restoration of the Rump Parliament (1659–60).</li></ul>