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. 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

2. 1. a feudal overlord
   2. ( as modifier )

      suzerain lord

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

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

Example Sentences

“Even now, in the 21st century, some U.S. officials and elites still deep in their hearts know and understand the world through the framework of the suzerain and its colonies.”

From New York Times

The monarch was rapidly acquiring a centralized power, which was very different from the overlordship of a feudal suzerain.

From Project Gutenberg

The town was well fortified and garrisoned; the Counts of Foix and Comminges had come at the summons of their suzerain, and the citizens were earnest in defence.

From Project Gutenberg

It could be received only by the suzerain in person.

From Project Gutenberg

The English kings did, indeed, exercise some sort of suzerain authority over most of the neighbouring colonies, but this authority was probably never so complete as historians would have us believe.

From Project Gutenberg

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