Definition: Sovereignty

From New World Encyclopedia
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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)

  1. Of a state, nation, or other government: The state of making laws and controlling resources without the coercion of other nations.
  2. Of a ruler: Supreme authority over all things.
  3. Of a person: The liberty to decide one's thoughts and actions.
  4. Excellence, mastery, preeminent efficacy.
  5. An independent or sovereign territory.

Derived terms

  • sovereigntist

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