suzerain

noun

su·​zer·​ain ˈsü-zə-rən 

-ˌrān;

ˈsüz-rən

1

: a superior feudal lord to whom fealty is due : overlord

2

: a dominant state controlling the foreign relations of a vassal state but allowing it sovereign authority in its internal affairs

Examples of suzerain in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Citizens of countries historically exploited by the West face higher financial and bureaucratic hurdles to access facilities and resources concentrated in their former suzerain. —WIRED, 26 Aug. 2022

In buttressing Lukashenko’s regime, Russia became Belarus’s outright suzerain. —Casey Michel, The New Republic, 1 Mar. 2022

Most Somalilanders have known nothing but self-rule and would never consent to reintegrate with their bloody, anarchic suzerain. —The Economist, 8 May 2021

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. —Marc Tracy, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2020

Word History

Etymology

French, from Middle French souserain, from sus up (from Latin sursum, from sub- up + versum -ward, from neuter of versus, past participle of vertere to turn) + -erain (as in soverain sovereign) — more at sub-, worth

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1