client ruler, n.All

A Client ruler (n.) is ⁠​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​⁠an imperial army with a local face — in the region's eyes, a British army led by a man in Arab headgear.