Etymology
From Middle English sovereynte, from Anglo-Norman sovereyneté, from Old French souveraineté, from soverain. Equivalent to sovereign + -ty.
Noun
sovereignty (countable and uncountable, plural sovereignties)
- Of a state, nation, or other government: The state of making laws and controlling resources without the coercion of other nations.
- Of a ruler: Supreme authority over all things.
- Of a person: The liberty to decide one's thoughts and actions.
- Excellence, mastery, preeminent efficacy.
- An independent or sovereign territory.
Derived terms
- sovereigntist
Credits
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