n. & adj.
--n.
1. a supreme ruler, esp. a monarch.
2 Brit. hist. a gold coin nominally worth {pound}1.
--adj.
1. a supreme (sovereign power). b unmitigated (sovereign contempt).
2 excellent; effective (a sovereign remedy).
3 possessing sovereign power (a sovereign State).
4 royal (our sovereign lord).
Phrases and idioms:
the sovereign good the greatest good, esp. for a State, its people, etc. sovereign pontiff see PONTIFF.
Derivatives:
sovereignly adv. sovereignty n. (pl. -ies).
Etymology: ME f. OF so(u)verain f. L: -g- by assoc. with reign