suzerain Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a state exercising a degree of dominion over a dependent state especially in its foreign affairs

WordNet

Su"ze*rain noun
Etymology
F., formed fr. sus above, L. susum, sursum (fr. sub under + versum, p.p. of vertere to turn), after the analogy of souverain, E. sovereign. See Sub-, and Verse.
Definitions
  1. A superior lord, to whom fealty is due; a feudal lord; a lord paramount.

Webster 1913