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 ]
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