basutoland

Thân thiện

Basutoland gained its independence in 1966.

Definition

Proper noun 1. A former British protectorate: Basutoland was the name for a British colonial territory in southern Africa. It was a landlocked protectorate, meaning it was under British control and protection but maintained some degree of local governance. 2. The historical name for Lesotho: Basutoland was the official name of the country now known as the Kingdom of Lesotho before it achieved full independence from the United Kingdom.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Basutoland was administered by the British from 1884 until 1966.
  • The people of Basutoland voted for independence, leading to the creation of Lesotho.

Advanced Usage

• Historical and geopolitical context: The term "Basutoland" is primarily used in historical, diplomatic, and academic contexts to refer to the territory during the colonial period. Using the name "Lesotho" is standard for references after October 4, 1966.
  • Maps from the early 20th century often label the region as Basutoland.

Variants and Related Words

• Lesotho (Proper noun): The modern sovereign state, a constitutional monarchy, that succeeded Basutoland upon independence.
  • Lesotho is completely surrounded by South Africa.
• Protectorate (Noun): A state that is controlled and protected by another, which describes Basutoland's status under the British Empire.

Synonyms

• Former British protectorate in southern Africa
• Pre-independence Lesotho

Notes on Meaning

This word has a single, specific historical meaning. It is not used in contemporary contexts to refer to the modern nation, except when discussing its history. The transition from "Basutoland" to "Lesotho" marks a key event in the nation's history.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a landlocked constitutional monarchy in southern Africa; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1966

Từ đồng nghĩa

• Lesotho
• Kingdom of Lesotho
• Basutoland