宗そう主しゅ

noun

suzerain; overlord

Historical and political term for a dominant state or ruler that exercises control over a vassal or tributary state. Often used in discussions of feudal or imperial relationships.

• 中ちゅう世せいヨーロッパでは、宗そう主しゅと家か臣しんの関かん係けいが複ふく雑ざつだった。

  In medieval Europe, the relationship between suzerain and vassal was complex.

• この地ち域いきは長なが年ねん、隣りん国こくの宗そう主しゅ権けん下かにあった。

  This region was under the suzerainty of the neighboring country for many years.