suzerain
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suzerain
- /ˈs(j)uz(ə)ɹən/
- /ˈs(j)uzəˌɹeɪ̯n/
Where it comes from
From French suzerain, based on sus (“up, above”) (from Latin sursum) with the ending of souverain (whence also English sovereign).
noun suzerains
- A dominant nation or state that has control over the international affairs of a subservient state which otherwise has domestic autonomy. The origin of these conflicts is to be sought in the position which Rome acquired about 275 b.c. as suzerain and protector of all Italy.
- A feudal landowner to whom vassals were forced to pledge allegiance. Slavery flourished, and absolute centralisation of power did not permit European-style feudalism until very late and only in some cases. “The Eurasian dichotomy of suzerain versus subject left little room in between.”
Translations
Talk about this word "suzerain." Wiktionary, via Micwyn, micwyn.com/word/suzerain. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026. suzerain. (n.d.). In Wiktionary, via Micwyn. Retrieved November 6, 2026, from https://micwyn.com/word/suzerain "suzerain." Wiktionary, via Micwyn. Accessed November 6, 2026. https://micwyn.com/word/suzerain.Cite this
@misc{suzerain_2026,
title = {suzerain},
howpublished = {Wiktionary, via Micwyn},
year = {2026},
url = {https://micwyn.com/word/suzerain},
urldate = {2026-11-06}
}
