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View synonyms for suzerain

suzerain

[ soo-zuh-rin, -reyn ]

noun

  1. a sovereign or a state exercising political control over a dependent state.
  2. History/Historical. a feudal overlord.


adjective

  1. characteristic of or being a suzerain.

suzerain

/ ˈsuːzəˌreɪn /

noun

    1. a state or sovereign exercising some degree of dominion over a dependent state, usually controlling its foreign affairs
    2. ( as modifier )

      a suzerain power

    1. a feudal overlord
    2. ( as modifier )

      suzerain lord

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of suzerain1

1800–10; < French, equivalent to sus above (< Latin sūsum, variant of sursum, contraction of subversum, neuter of subversus upturned; sub-, verse ) + ( souv ) erain sovereign
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Word History and Origins

Origin of suzerain1

C19: from French, from sus above (from Latin sursum turned upwards, from sub- up + vertere to turn) + -erain , as in souverain sovereign
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Example Sentences

Very lightly, though armed, the twain dismounted, and stood side by side before their suzerain.

The only hope of the Jews lay in the clemency of their victorious suzerain, and it did not fail them.

The Sacrifice of the Horse was an ancient Hindu custom practised by kings exercising suzerain powers over surrounding kings.

And yet at Vienna was a suzerain who might chastise the official participators in a crime against the Empire's laws.

You must now take the pledge of fealty and homage to Charles, King of the Franks, as your suzerain seigneur.

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Suzannesuzerainty