suzereign

suzerain, or suzereign

/s(y)uwz(a)ran/

In French and feudal law, the immediate vassal of the king; a crown vassal; a tenant in capite. A lord who possesses a fief whence other fiefs issue.

Also spelled "suzereign."

A nation that exercises political control over another nation in relation to which it is sovereign. Term is used as descriptive of relations, ill-defined and vague, which exist between powerful and dependent states; its very indefiniteness being its recommendation. While protecting and protected states tend to draw nearer, the reverse is true of suzerain and vassal states; a protectorate is generally the preliminary to incorporation; suzerainty, to separation. It is said that suzerainty is title without corresponding power; protectorate is power without corresponding title