Suzerainty (i or i) occurs where a region or people is a tributary to a more powerful entity which controls its foreign affairs while allowing the tributary vassal state internal autonomy. The dominant entity in the suzerainty relationship, or the more powerful entity itself, is called a suzerain. The term suzerainty was originally used to describ... Found on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzerainty
Su'ze·rain·ty noun [ French suzeraineté .] The dominion or authority of a suzerain; paramount authority. Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/webster/S/253