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Overlord vs Suzerain - What's the difference?

overlord | suzerain |

As nouns the difference between overlord and suzerain

is that overlord is a ruler of other rulers while suzerain is a dominant nation or state which has control over the international affairs of a subservient state which has domestic autonomy.

As an adjective suzerain is

pertaining to a suzerain.

overlord

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • A ruler of other rulers.
    • The various tribal chieftains met each spring to elect an overlord that would lead them in time of war.
  • Anyone with overarching power or authority in a given domain.
    • The crusty old professor was overlord of the history department, and few dared to cross his will.
  • *

    • Usage notes

    * The second sense frequently carries negative connotations; calling one an overlord can imply tyranny or authoritarianism.

    Derived terms

    * overlordship

    suzerain

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A dominant nation or state which has control over the international affairs of a subservient state which has domestic autonomy.
  • A feudal landowner to whom vassals were forced to pledge allegiance.

    • Derived terms

    * suzerainty

    Adjective

    (-)
  • Pertaining to a suzerain.

    • Anagrams

    *