suzerain

Definition of Suzerain in English :

1. suzerain

a state exercising a degree of dominion over a dependent state especially in its foreign affairs

WordNet Lexical Database for English. Princeton University. 2010.

Suzerain

noun

1.

a.

a state or sovereign exercising some degree of dominion over a dependent state, usually controlling its foreign affairs

b.

(as modifier)

a suzerain power

2.

a.

a feudal overlord

b.

(as modifier)

suzerain lord

noun

1.

a feudal lord

2.

a state in its relation to a semiautonomous state over which it exercises political control

n.

1. A nation that controls another nation in international affairs but allows it domestic sovereignty.

2. A feudal lord to whom fealty was due.