sovereign Hear it!

sovereign definition

sov·er·eign (sävrən, -ər in; occas. suv-)

adjective

  1. above or superior to all others; chief; greatest; supreme
  2. supreme in power, rank, or authority
  3. of or holding the position of ruler; royal; reigning
  4. independent of all others a sovereign state
  5. excellent; outstanding
  6. very effectual, as a cure or remedy

Etymology: ME soveraine < OFr < VL *superanus < L super, above, over

noun

  1. a person who possesses sovereign authority or power; specif., a monarch or ruler
  2. a British gold coin valued at 20 shillings or one pound sterling, no longer minted for circulation

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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