Suzerain
Pronunciation: /ˈsuˈziˈɹeɪn/
Suzerain (noun)
- A ruler or state that has power over another ruler, who must obey and may pay tribute.
- In feudal systems, the higher lord who grants land and expects loyalty from a lower lord.
Examples
- The suzerain demanded tribute from the smaller states.
- A suzerain often controls foreign policy for weaker rulers.