ˈsüzərə̇n, -zəˌrān sometimes ˈsəz- noun
( -s )
Etymology: French, from sus above, up, upon (from Latin susum, sursum up, upwards, from sub- up + versum, neuter of versus, past participle of vertere to turn) + -erain (as in souverain sovereign, from Old French soverain ) — more at sub- , worth , sovereign
1. : a superior lord to whom fealty is due : a feudal lord : overlord
2. : a dominant state exercising varying degrees of control over a vassal state with regard to its foreign relations but allowing it sovereign authority in its internal affairs