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Added 10 October 2026

suzerain

/ˈs(j)uz(ə)ɹən/ noun

Latin root: sursum Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about suzerain at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

A dominant nation or state that has control over the international affairs of a subservient state which otherwise has domestic autonomy.
A feudal landowner to whom vassals were forced to pledge allegiance.

Origin

From French suzerain, based on sus (“up, above”) (from Latin sursum) with the ending of souverain (whence also English sovereign).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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