suzerain

One entry found for suzerain.

Main Entry: su·zer·ain
Pronunciation: 'sü-z&-r&n, -"rAn; 'süz-r&n
Function: noun
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
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