n.
Pronunciation: ' sü-z ə -r ə n, - ˌ r ā n; ' süz-r ə n
Function: noun
Etymology: French, from Middle French souserain, from sus up (fr. 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