Suzerainty (noun)

1. The relationship between a sovereign state and a dependent state, in which the dependent state has limited autonomy and the sovereignty state has some control over its foreign affairs.
2. The dominance or control exercised by a stronger entity over a weaker one.

Origin:

Derived from the french word 'souzeraineté' meaning sovereignty, originally from the latin word 'superanus' meaning superior.

Examples:

1. The suzerainty of the British Empire over its colonies was challenged during the 19th and 20th centuries.
2. The kingdom exercised suzerainty over several smaller states in the region.
3. The suzerainty of the central government was threatened by the emergence of powerful regional leaders.
4. The suzerainty of the Roman Empire over its conquered territories was maintained through a network of roads and military garrisons.
5. The agreement ensured the suzerainty of the larger nation over its smaller neighbor in matters of foreign policy.