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Suzerainty |
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Suzerainty
a system of personal relations, prevailing during the period of feudalism, under which one lord (seigneur) enjoys sovereignty over another (vassal) in a manner and for a duration fixed by mutual agreement. Such relations grew out of the hierarchical structure of feudal ownership, which served to unite the ruling class of great feudal lords (kings, princes, dukes) and allowed them to exercise authority in political, military, judicial, and other matters in their respective dominions. After the formation of centralized states, however, authority was concentrated more and more in the hands of the king (supreme seigneur), who thus became the sovereign monarch. Internationally, the legal relations between a strong state and a weaker vassal state developed along the lines of a suzerainty (see alsoVASSAL STATE). Want to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit the webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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