(1) situation in which a people or region is tribute to a more powerful entity, this entity, however, has limited autonomy. (2) domain of an overlord.

Suzerainty (pronounced: or ) is a situation in which a region or people is a tributary to a more powerful entity which allows the tributary some limited domestic to control its foreign affairs. The more powerful entity in the suzerainty relationship, or the head of state of that more powerful entity, is called a suzerain. The term suzerainty was originally used to describe the relationship between the Ottoman Empire and its surrounding regions.

a vague term, but in politics, as in theology, the more nebulous a thing is the more does it excite the imagination and the passions of men

The position or power of a state exercising political control over a dependent state.

The dominion or authority of a suzerain; paramount authority.

the position or authority of a suzerain; "under the suzerainty of..."

the domain of a suzerain