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

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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