Protectorate

The government in Britain for a few years in the 1650's. In principle, it was a kind of republic, but in practice it didn't last long enough for anyone to find out how well it was working. Beyond that, I don't know much else, but at least they had the good self-deprecating sense to call their legislative assembly the "rump parliament".

Pro*tect"or*ate (?), n. [Cf. F. protectorat.]

1.

Government by a protector; -- applied especially to the government of England by Oliver Cromwell.

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.

© Webster 1913.