noun
possession; dependency; territory; dominion
Refers to a territory that belongs to or is controlled by another country, similar to a colony or dependent territory. Often used in historical or political contexts.
その島はかつてフランスの属領だった。
That island was once a French possession.
属領の独立運動が激しくなった。
The independence movement in the dependency intensified.
Compound of 属 (ぞく, 'belong to, subordinate') and 領 (りょう, 'territory'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination naturally yields the meaning of a dependent territory.