Main Entry:

su·zer·ain

Pronunciation:

\ˈsü-zə-rən, -ˌrān; ˈsüz-rən\

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

Date:

1807

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