[Darmody]

I don't know if you realize but you proved my point.

    "an area over which a foreign nation or state extends or maintains control".

The provinces were part of the Spanish Empire, not foreign entities under Spanish control.

    "a group of people who establish residence in that area and who retain ties with the parent state."

There is no parent state, there is only one state. So again, not a colony.

And I don't know why do you call me pedant. I just pointed out something that I think was relevant to the conversation. What I find ridiculous is you being triggered by it.