suzerain
Americannoun
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a sovereign or a state exercising political control over a dependent state.
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History/Historical. a feudal overlord.
adjective
noun
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a state or sovereign exercising some degree of dominion over a dependent state, usually controlling its foreign affairs
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( as modifier )
a suzerain power
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a feudal overlord
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( as modifier )
suzerain lord
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Etymology
Origin of suzerain
1800–10; < French, equivalent to sus above (< Latin sūsum, variant of sursum, contraction of subversum, neuter of subversus upturned; see sub-, verse) + ( souv ) erain sovereign
Explanation
When one country controls most of another country's affairs while still allowing it some autonomy, the dominant country is called a suzerain. In modern world affairs, suzerains are unusual, but history includes a number of them. For example, the Ottoman Empire was the suzerain in its relationships with Moldova, the principality of Serbia, and Wallachia, and for years China was a suzerain to Mongolia.
Vocabulary lists containing suzerain
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Residence of the Suzerain One of the story's principal villains, The Suzerain, resides in the building we know as All Souls College.
From BBC • Aug. 20, 2013
Recharts His Hectic Course as Suzerain of the Seas Now on the outside of politics, Winston Churchill gives full vent to his literary genius.
From Time Magazine Archive
The Spanish Bishop of the See of Durgel is by medieval right a "Suzerain of Andorra."
From Time Magazine Archive
Trencavel, Viscount of Nîmes, loyal to God and his Suzerain, followed Raymond to Palestine.
From Cathedrals and Cloisters of the South of France, Volume 1 by Rose, Elise Whitlock
The Suzerain was to have control over the foreign relations of the Transvaal, and a Royal Commission for the protection of the natives and the decision of the boundary of the Republic would be appointed.
From South Africa and the Transvaal War, Vol. 1 (of 6) From the Foundation of Cape Colony to the Boer Ultimatum of 9th Oct. 1899 by Creswicke, Louis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
