'Sovereign state' definitions:

Definition of 'Sovereign state'

From: GCIDE
  • Sovereign \Sov"er*eign\ (? or ?; 277), a. [OE. soverain, sovereyn, OF. soverain, suvrain, F. souverain, LL. superanus, fr. L. superus that is above, upper, higher, fr. super above. See Over, Super, and cf. Soprano. The modern spelling is due to a supposed connection with reign.]
  • 1. Supreme or highest in power; superior to all others; chief; as, our sovereign prince. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Independent of, and unlimited by, any other; possessing, or entitled to, original authority or jurisdiction; as, a sovereign state; a sovereign discretion. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. Princely; royal. "Most sovereign name." --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • At Babylon was his sovereign see. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. Predominant; greatest; utmost; paramount. [1913 Webster]
  • We acknowledge him [God] our sovereign good. --Hooker. [1913 Webster]
  • 5. Efficacious in the highest degree; effectual; controlling; as, a sovereign remedy. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
  • Such a sovereign influence has this passion upon the regulation of the lives and actions of men. --South. [1913 Webster]
  • Sovereign state, a state which administers its own government, and is not dependent upon, or subject to, another power. [1913 Webster]