[sov.er.eign] also sov.ran n [ME soverain, fr. OF, fr. soverain, adj.] (13c) 1 a: one possessing or held to possess sovereignty b: one that exercises supreme authority within a limited sphere c: an acknowledged leader: arbiter
2: any of various gold coins of the United Kingdom
[2]sovereign also sovran adj [ME soverain, fr. MF, fr. OF, fr. (assumed) VL superanus, fr. L super over, above--more at over] (14c) 1 a: superlative in quality: excellent b: of the most exalted kind: supreme "~ virtue" c: having generalized curative powers "a ~ remedy" d: of an unqualified nature: unmitigated "~ contempt" e: having undisputed ascendancy: paramount
2. a: possessed of supreme power "~ ruler" b: unlimited in extent: absolute c: enjoying autonomy: independent "~ state"
3: relating to, characteristic of, or befitting a sovereign syn see free -- sov.er.eign.ly adv