suzerainty

[ soo-zuh-rin-tee, -reyn- ]

noun

, plural su·ze·rain·ties.

1. the position or authority of a suzerain.
2. the domain or area subject to a suzerain.

suzerainty

/ ˈsuːzərəntɪ /

noun

1. the position, power, or dignity of a suzerain
2. the relationship between suzerain and subject

Word History and Origins

Origin of suzerainty¹

1815–25; < French suzeraineté, Middle French suserenete, equivalent to suseren suzerain + -ete -ity

Example Sentences

Tatar control—part occupation and part suzerainty over impotent, tribute-paying Russian principalities—lasted more than 200 years.

From The Daily Beast

Since then, Laon continued as a sovereign ecclesiastical seigniory, but always under the suzerainty of the French King.

From Project Gutenberg

The suzerainty of England, feeble at best, had gradually been limited to a mere fraction of the country.

From Project Gutenberg

Mordred had become a chieftain of the Picts, and he possibly resented any claims of suzerainty on the part of Arthur.

From Project Gutenberg

Charles brought himself, or at any rate he was to bring himself later, to recognise the suzerainty of the King of England.

From Project Gutenberg

Then it wades through all the mire of academic squabble re suzerainty, etc.

From Project Gutenberg