buffer state

noun

1. a nation lying between potentially hostile larger nations.

buffer state

noun

1. a small neutral state between two rival powers

Word History and Origins

Origin of buffer state¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

I took my seat beside him, while the lady, a useful little buffer state, was squeezed in between the two men of wrath at the back.

From Project Gutenberg

She sketches out a letter to be written to the lady who is at present a buffer-state between the dried man and the parched women.

From Project Gutenberg

The “buffer-state” of modern diplomacy is of the same ineffectual type.

From Project Gutenberg

The fierce mountaineers had allied themselves with Median tribes and overrun the buffer State of the Mannai.

From Project Gutenberg

And the little buffer state began to be very wise and politic and energetic.

From Project Gutenberg