First published 1913; not yet revised More entries for "sovereign"

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sovereignnoun & adjective

Meaning & use

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Earlier version

sovereign, n. and a. in OED Second Edition (1989)

In other dictionaries

soverain, n. in Middle English Dictionary

noun
1. 1. 1.a.
    c1290–
    
    One who has supremacy or rank above, or authority over, others; a superior; a ruler, governor, lord, or master (of persons, etc.). Frequently applied to the Deity in relation to created things. In later use suggestive of sense A.2a.
    α forms
    c1290
    For, sire king, þou art mi souerein, and þe erchebischop al-so.
    South English Legendary vol. I. 74
    c1315
    Who yst þat neuer nas rebel Aȝeins hys souerayn?
    Shoreham iv. 262
    c1386
    Murmuryng eek is ofte among servauntz, that grucchen whan here soverayns bidden hem to doon leeful thinges.
    G. Chaucer, Parson's Tale ⁋506
    c1449
    To my Sovereyn, John Paston.
    Paston Letters vol. I. 78
    a1470
    I suppose that my lege lorde the kynge bydde me do a thynge, and my mayster or my souerayn bydde me do the contrarye.
    Dives & Pauper (1496) clxxxvi. 181
    1559
    For I am departed vntill doomes day: But love you that lord that is soveraine of all.
    W. Baldwin et al., Myrroure for Magistrates Edward IV. v. 83 b
    β forms
    1377
    Þo þat seten atte syde table or with þe souereignes of þe halle.
    W. Langland, Piers Plowman B. xii. 200
    1400
    But God that is our elder sovereigne gife you long lyve.
    Lord Grey of Ruthin, Letter June in H. Ellis, Original Letters, Illustrative of English History (1827) 2nd Series vol. I. 4
    1496
    If any laie persone hereaftir purpensidly murder their Lord Maister or Sovereign immediate that they be not admytted to their Clergie.
    Act 12 Henry VII c. vii
    1588
    This distinction of Soueraigne, Ruler, Gouernour, or Maister, is first founded vpon Nature.
    T. Kyd, translation of T. Tasso, Housholders Philosophie f. 14^v
    a1616
    Thy husband is thy Lord, thy life, thy keeper, Thy head, thy soueraigne.
    W. Shakespeare, Taming of Shrew (1623) v. ii. 152
    a1627
    The Duke (as hee is my Soveraigne) I doe give him two Crownes for it.
    T. Middleton & W. Rowley, Old Law (1656) v. 69
    1673
    The Soveraign of the whole Creation.
    W. Cave, Primitive Christianity i. i. 15
    1738
    A people, who thought themselves kings of the sea, and sovereigns over crowned heads.
    translation of C. Rollin, Ancient History (ed. 2) vol. I. Preface p. viii
    1775
    Lucy says I must not go this week... The Lady at Stowhill says, how comes Lucy to be such a sovereign.
    S. Johnson, Letter 1 August (1992) vol. II. 259
    1821
    Why that's my uncle! The leader, and the statesman, and the chief Of commonwealths, and sovereign of himself!
    Lord Byron, Marino Faliero (2nd issue) i. ii. 18
    1859
    Over himself, over his own body and mind, the individual is Sovereign.
    J. S. Mill, On Liberty i. 22
    γ forms
    a1525 (c1448)
    So soft was ye sessoun our souerane dovne sent.
    R. Holland, Buke of Howlat l. 7 in W. A. Craigie, Asloan Manuscript (1925) vol. II. 95
    1567
    Christ our cheif and Souerane.
    Compendious Book of Godly Songs (1897) 79
    society authority [nouns] those in authority person in authority person in supreme authority
    princec1225–
    
    A person who or thing which is pre-eminent in a specified class or sphere; the chief; the greatest or best. Usually with of, among. Cf. king, n. I.4.
    sovereignc1290–
    
    One who has supremacy or rank above, or authority over, others; a superior; a ruler, governor, lord, or master (of persons, etc.). Frequently…
    overest1474–83
    
    A person supreme over others; a ruler. Obsolete.
    supreme1549–
    
    A person having supreme authority, rank, or power; a supreme authority or ruler. Also in extended use. Formerly also: †a superior (obsolete). Now rare…
    supremo1839–
    
    A supreme leader or ruler; a person holding the highest military or political authority.
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  2. 1.b.
    1390–1450
    
    † A husband in relation to his wife. Obsolete.
    1390
    The Prestes tho gon hom ayein, And sche goth to hire sovereign.
    J. Gower, Confessio Amantis vol. I. 71
    a1400
    We siked wel sore, For sert of hire souereyn and for hire owne sake.
    Pistill of Susan 223
    a1450 (c1410)
    To hire lord & souerayn seide sche than: ‘My sovereyn,’ sche seide, ‘ȝowre owne am J.’
    H. Lovelich, Merlin (1904) vol. I. l. 6336
    society society and the community kinship or relationship marriage or wedlock married person married man [nouns] husband
    churlOld English–
    
    A male human being, a man; esp. ‘man’ as correlative to ‘wife’, husband. (In Middle English mingled with other senses.)
    lordOld English–
    
    A husband. In later use archaic or ironic. Cf. lady, n. I.7.
    wereOld English–1275
    
    A husband.
    husbanda1275–
    
    The (or a) male partner in a marriage; esp. a married man considered in relation to his spouse. Also figurative of Christ in his relationship to…
    mana1325–
    
    A husband. Now chiefly English regional (northern), Scottish, and South African, except in man and wife. Cf. goodman, n. 5.
    masterc1325–
    
    Chiefly with possessive. A woman's husband. Also: †a woman's lover (obsolete). Now English regional or merged in senses A.I.1d and A.I.2.
    sovereign1390–1450
    
    A husband in relation to his wife. Obsolete.
    maritea1398–1400
    
    A husband.
    husbandman?a1439–1500
    
    A married man; = husband, n. I.2. Obsolete.
    goodman?1507–
    
    A woman's husband. Usually with possessive pronoun. Cf. goodwife, n. 3. Now Scottish.
    baron1595–
    
    Law and Heraldry (in collocation with feme, femme): Husband.
    spouse1604
    
    A husband or wife, or (in later use) a person joined to another in a comparable legally recognized… Used of a man. Now only as a contextual use of…
    husband of one's bosom1611–
    
    wife of one's bosom: originally a Hebraism adopted in the Bible of 1611; but its English use is influenced by senses A.6a, A.1b (The similar phrase hu…
    old man1673–
    
    colloquial. A person's father; a woman's husband or male partner. Frequently with possessive adjective.
    hubby1682–
    
    A familiar colloquialism for husband, n.
    sposo1741–
    
    A husband; (occasionally also) a husband-to-be, a fiancé. Cf. sposa, n. See also caro sposo, n.
    hub1809–
    
    A husband.
    master-man1825–93
    
    English regional (northern). A husband; the (male) head of a household. Obsolete.
    pot and pan1900–
    
    A person's father or husband.
    mister1931–
    
    colloquial. Husband; the male head of a household. Frequently with the, or possessive adjective (cf. missus, n. 2).
    DH1993–
    
    Dear (or darling) husband; a person's husband.
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  3. 1.c.
    ?a1513–
    
    A person or thing which excels or surpasses others of the kind. Now rare.
    ?a1513
    Haill, of all flouris quene and souerane.
    W. Dunbar, Poems (1998) vol. I. 168
    1523
    They in all theyr dedis were so valyant that they ought to be reputed as soueraignes in all chyualry.
    Lord Berners, translation of J. Froissart, Cronycles vol. I. ii. 2
    1635
    This soveraigne of her sexe.
    A. Stafford, Femall Glory 94
    1695
    We have already defined Happiness to be the Soveraign of Goods.
    Lord Preston, translation of Boethius, Of Consolation of Philosophy iii. 96
    the mind goodness and badness quality of being good excellence [nouns] excellent person or thing
    carbunclea1350–1885
    
    figurative. A person or thing resembling a carbuncle in colour, brilliance, or precious quality. Obsolete.
    swanc1386–
    
    figurative or allusively. Applied to persons or things, in reference to the pure white plumage of the swan taken as a type of faultlessness or…
    phoenixc1400–
    
    In extended use. A person or thing of unique excellence or matchless beauty; a paragon. Now rare.
    diamondc1440–
    
    figurative. Something very precious; a thing or person of great worth, or (in modern use) a person of very brilliant attainments. (Cf. phrases P.1.)
    broocha1464–1631
    
    figurative; cf. gem, n.¹ 2, jewel, n. II.5a. Obsolete.
    surmounterc1500–
    
    One who or that which surmounts; †one who or that which excels (obsolete); an overcomer, vanquisher.
    sovereign?a1513–
    
    A person or thing which excels or surpasses others of the kind. Now rare.
    primrose peerless1523–45
    
    A peerless or unrivalled primrose. Chiefly figurative: the finest example of its kind. Cf. primrose, n. A.II.3. Obsolete. rare.
    superlative1577–
    
    A superlative person or thing; one surpassing all others; the supreme or best example (of something).
    transcendent1593–1678
    
    One who or that which transcends or rises high above the ordinary rank of persons or things; a person or thing of great eminence. Obsolete.
    Arabian bird1596–
    
    The phoenix (phoenix, n.¹ 1); (also) figurative a person or thing of unique excellence (cf. phoenix, n.¹ 2a).
    crack1637–
    
    That which is the subject of boast or eulogy; that which is ‘cracked up’; a horse, player, ship, regiment, etc. of superior excellence: see crack…
    first rate1681–
    
    In extended use: a person or thing of the highest class or rank. Now rare.
    topper1691–
    
    colloquial. An exceptionally good person or thing; an outstandingly good or pre-eminent example of a particular kind or type. Now somewhat dated.
    peach1710–
    
    colloquial. A particularly fine or desirable person or thing, esp. an attractive young woman; an exceptionally good example of its kind.
    phoenicle1711
    
    A little phoenix. (In quot. depreciative.)
    admiration1717
    
    A cause of wonder, high regard, or esteem. In early use also: †a marvellous or astonishing thing (obsolete). Later chiefly in the admiration of ——.
    spanker1751–
    
    dialect and colloquial. Anything exceptionally large or fine; a person, animal, or thing of superior quality or character.
    first-raterc1760–
    
    A person who or thing which is first-rate.
    no slouch of1767–
    
    Originally U.S. slang. A poor, indifferent, or inefficient thing, place, person, etc. Chiefly in the negative phrase no slouch of (something); also…
    nailer1806–
    
    Extended uses. slang. A very efficient or effective person or thing; a person who is exceptionally good at something. Cf. nailing, adj. A.1b, corker…
    tip-topper1822–
    
    A ‘tip-top’ person or thing; in quot. 1822, applied to a glass filled to the very top, a bumper.
    ripper1825–
    
    slang. A person or thing that is particularly good of its kind; spec. an attractive young woman.
    ripstaver1828–
    
    An impressive or exceptional person; = ripsnorter, n.
    apotheosis1832–
    
    The best or most highly developed example of something; the highest point or culmination, the acme.
    front-ranker1834–
    
    A person or thing of the highest rank or quality; a first-rate person or thing.
    clinker1836–
    
    figurative. A ‘clinking’ good thing: applied to persons, animals, and things of first-rate quality. slang (originally Sporting slang; cf. clinking…
    clipper1836–
    
    One who or that which clips, moves swiftly, or scuds along; (cf. clip, v.² 7). slang. Applied in praise to a person or thing excellent or…
    bird1839–
    
    U.S. slang. An exceptionally smart or accomplished person; (also) a first-rate animal or thing. Now rare.
    keener1839–
    
    One who drives a hard bargain; (also) a person or thing in some way superior.
    ripsnorter1840–
    
    Someone or something exceptionally remarkable in appearance, quality, strength, or the like. Cf. snorter, n.¹ 2.
    beater1845–
    
    A person or thing that beats or excels others. U.S. colloquial.
    firecracker1845–
    
    figurative. colloquial (originally U.S.). A situation or thing that is explosive or controversial in nature; (also) something which is exciting or…
    pumpkin1845–
    
    figurative. In colloquial use (chiefly North American). U.S. slang. In predicative use: a person or matter of importance or consequence; an…
    screamer1846–
    
    slang. A person, animal, or thing of exceptional size, attractiveness, etc.; a splendid specimen; e.g. a well-grown or beautiful female; a ‘heavy…
    stunner1847–
    
    colloquial. A person or thing of extraordinary excellence or attractiveness.
    bottler1855–
    
    An excellent person or thing; a marvel, a wonder.
    beaut1866–
    
    A beautiful person. Also: any admirable person, whether physically attractive or not (cf. beauty, n. II.4c). Frequently ironic.
    bobby-dazzler1866–
    
    Something striking or excellent; a strikingly-dressed person.
    one out of the box1867–
    
    one out of the box: an excellent or exceptional person or thing. Occasionally also out of the box: excellent, exceptional.
    stem-winder1875–
    
    (a) A keyless watch; (b) a geared logging locomotive (Webster, 1911); (c) slang a person or thing that is first-rate; also, an enterprising or…
    corker1877–
    
    A person or thing of surpassing size or excellence; a stunner; also used ironically. colloquial and dialect.
    trimmer1878–
    
    One who or that which trims or trounces (see trim, v. II.10); a stiff competitor, fighter, etc.; a slasher; a stiff letter, article, bout, run…
    hot stuff1884–
    
    As predicate. Originally U.S. A person or thing of outstanding quality or skill; an exciting or alluring person or thing, esp. something sexually…
    daisy1886–
    
    slang. (chiefly U.S.). A first-rate thing or person; also as adj. First-rate, charming.
    topnotcher1886–
    
    colloquial (originally U.S.). A person who ranks in the highest category or bracket.
    jim-dandy1887–
    
    An excellent person or thing.
    cracker1891–
    
    slang. Something exceptional of its kind; a fine or impressive example, a ‘corker’. Also: a very attractive, appealing, lively, or admirable…
    jim-hickey1895–
    
    = jim-dandy, n.
    barnstormer1896–
    
    Originally U.S. An exceptionally dramatic or theatrical speech, performance, etc.; (more generally) a particularly impressive, remarkable, or…
    peacherino1896–
    
    A particularly fine or desirable person or thing, esp. an attractive woman; = peach, n.¹ A.II.4.
    pippin1897–
    
    colloquial (originally U.S.). An excellent, pleasing, or beautiful person or thing. Cf. pip, n.² 3.
    alpha plus1898–
    
    (a) n. An academic mark in the higher range of the first class, an excellent mark; (b) adj. superlatively excellent or first-rate.
    peacherine1900–
    
    = peacherino, n.
    pip1900–
    
    colloquial (originally and chiefly U.S.). Something remarkably good; an excellent or very attractive person or thing. Cf. pippin, n. 4b.
    humdinger1905–
    
    A remarkable or outstanding person or thing, anything of notable excellence. slang (originally U.S.).
    bosker1906–
    
    Good, excellent, delightful. Cf. bonzer, n. & adj. & adv. Hence as n.
    hummer1907–
    
    A person or thing of extraordinary excellence. colloquial.
    good egg1914–
    
    Phrases: a bad egg (colloquial): a person or a scheme that disappoints expectation. Similarly good egg (slang): (a) an excellent person or object…
    superstar1914–
    
    An exceptionally outstanding performer in the theatre, music, sport, or some other public sphere; a superior star (star, n.¹ I.4). Also figurative…
    the berries1918–
    
    slang (U.S.). A dollar; also (in U.K.), a pound. Usually in plural. Hence the berries: an excellent person or thing; ‘the cat's whiskers’.
    bee's knee1923–
    
    (a) A type of something small or insignificant; (b) plural (slang, originally U.S.), the acme of excellence; ‘the cat's whiskers’.
    smash1923–
    
    A great success; a film, person, play, song, etc., which enjoys popular success; a hit (hit, n. 4). Also attributive, esp. in smash hit n.
    smash hit1923–
    
    A great success; a film, person, play, song, etc., which enjoys popular success; a hit (hit, n. 4). Also attributive, esp. in smash hit n.
    the cat's whiskers1923–
    
    the cat's pyjamas, the cat's whiskers (slang, originally U.S.): the acme of excellence.
    brahma1925–
    
    A particularly pleasing, impressive, or desirable person or thing, esp. an attractive woman; a superior example of its kind; a cracker, a beauty.
    top-liner1928–
    
    A person who or thing which ranks in the highest category or bracket. Now chiefly Australian and New Zealand.
    dilly1935–
    
    A delightful, remarkable, or excellent person or thing; frequently ironical.
    piss-cutter1935–
    
    A formidable or remarkable person or thing (in either a negative or a positive sense).
    killer1937–
    
    An impressive, formidable, or excellent person or thing; one who ‘kills’ people (see kill, v. 6a). Cf. ladykiller, n. slang (originally U.S.).
    killer-diller1938–
    
    = killer, n. 7. Also attributive or as adj.
    a hard act to follow1942–
    
    colloquial (originally U.S.). a hard act to follow (also a tough act to follow): an impressive person or thing, viewed as being difficult to rival…
    peacheroo1942–
    
    = peacherino, n.
    bitch1946–
    
    U.S. slang. A great, excellent, or wonderful person or thing.
    brammerc1950–
    
    An excellent, remarkable, or very attractive person or thing; a superior example of its kind; a cracker, a beauty.
    hot shit1960–
    
    coarse slang (originally U.S.). An outstanding or exciting person or thing. Chiefly as predicate. Frequently ironic. Cf. hot stuff, n. A.2.
    Tiffany1973–
    
    Used allusively to denote organizations, etc., considered equal to Tiffany and Co. in high-quality craftsmanship or exclusiveness. Also Tiffany-type…
    bollocks1981–
    
    In plural. With the. = dog's bollocks, n.
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  4. 1.d.
    1846–69
    
    † A free citizen or voter of America. U.S. Obsolete.
    1846
    Thousands of children in our state have not received even the trifling aid which these [public] funds afford... This fact illustrates the situation of thousands of the future sovereigns of our beloved State.
    in Indiana Historical Society Publications (1905) vol. III. 412
    1861
    Deacon E—— lived out West... The ‘sovereigns’ of that section met in caucus to appoint delegates to a County Convention.
    Harpers' Magazine March 570/1
    1869
    I am a free-born sovereign, sir, an American.
    ‘M. Twain’, Innocents Abroad xi. 100
    law U.S. English
    society law legal right [nouns] civil rights one possessing
    sovereign1846–69
    
    A free citizen or voter of America. U.S. Obsolete.
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2. 2.
  
  spec.
  1. 2.a.
    1297–
    
    The recognized supreme ruler of a people or country under monarchical government; a monarch; a king or queen.
    α forms
    1297
    Þat folc of estangle vnderuenge þere King egbriȝt to hor souereyn.
    Robert of Gloucester's Chronicle (Rolls) 5183
    a1340
    Sugetis þat ere folouers of þaire soueraynes.
    R. Rolle, Psalter lxviii. 28
    c1440
    In Surre.., Where my fader is kyng and souerayne.
    Generydes 94
    c1540 (?a1400)
    For the souerayn hym selfe was a sete rioll.
    Destruction of Troy 1669
    1590
    Who after long debate..Was of the Britons first crownd Soueraine.
    E. Spenser, Faerie Queene ii.x. sig. Y4
    1741
    Clodius..granted this Priesthood to one Brogitarus, a petty Soverein in those parts, to whom he had before given the title of King.
    C. Middleton, History of Life Cicero vol. I. v. 380
    β forms
    c1400
    Thus with solance þay semelede,..And sew to þe soueraygne.
    Anturs of Arther vi
    1584
    Inas King of Wessex to be their souereigne.
    H. Llwyd & D. Powel, Historie of Cambria 11
    1594
    When bad subiects gainst their Soueraigne..vnnaturally rebell.
    R. Barnfield, Shepheard Content v. sig. Eij^v
    a1652
    How darst thou thus oppose thy Soveraignes will.
    R. Brome, Queenes Exchange i, in Works (1873) vol. III. 459
    1665
    'Tis the only thing wherein Subjects can punish their Soveraigns.
    R. Boyle, Occasional Reflections iv. xii. sig. Ff2^v
    1710
    The relation between the soveraign and the subject.
    J. Addison, Whig Examiner No. 5. ⁋3
    1780
    The Sovereign may be misinformed as to the deservings of those whom he is pleased to honour.
    Mirror No. 82
    1835
    The Attic king Erechtheus and the Thracian Eumolpus, who had become sovereign of Eleusis.
    C. Thirlwall, History of Greece vol. I. v. 131
    1866
    They brought down on themselves the wrath of their nominal sovereigns.
    C. Kingsley, Hereward the Wake vol. I. ix. 208
    in extended use
    1787
    The sovereign is the whole country.
    J. Adams, Defence of Constitutions of Government U.S.A. (1794) vol. I. 26
    1794
    The former [council] is the nominal sovereign.
    Brookes' Gazetteer (ed. 8) at Lucern
    γ forms
    a1400–50
    A noble prince, Þat certified his souerane þir saȝes in a pistill.
    Alexander 2774
    c1485 (1456)
    Thare suld na subiect obey till his souerane to werrey, agaynis his god.
    G. Hay, Buke of Law of Armys (2005) 103
    1562
    The maist excellent and gracius Souerane, Marie Quene of Scottis.
    N. Winȝet, Certain Tractates (1888) vol. I. 2
    1596
    Maist illustre and bountifull souerane.
    J. Dalrymple, translation of J. Leslie, Historie of Scotland (1888) vol. I. 296
    society authority rule or government ruler or governor sovereign ruler or monarch [nouns]
    princec1225–
    
    A (male) sovereign ruler; a monarch, a king. Now chiefly archaic and historical, or in rhetorical use.
    sovereign1297–
    
    spec. The recognized supreme ruler of a people or country under monarchical government; a monarch; a king or queen.
    monarch?a1439–
    
    In early use: a sole and absolute ruler of a state. Subsequently also: any ruler or sovereign bearing the title of king, queen, emperor, empress…
    royc1440–1660
    
    A prince, sovereign, or other royal person.
    royalc1440–1656
    
    A king, queen, prince, or princess. Obsolete.
    regala1450–1821
    
    A ruler; a royal person. Obsolete. rare.
    crown1474–
    
    Also with capital initial. The wearer of a royal crown; the monarch in his or her official character; the supreme governing power of a state under a…
    potentatec1475–
    
    A monarch, prince, ruler, esp. an autocratic one. Also: a powerful or influential person; a magnate.
    throne1593–
    
    With the: the occupant of a throne; the sovereign ruler or monarch. Formerly also (in quot. 1593) with possessive adjective as a form of address…
    mulai1594–
    
    (A title of) the ruler and other male members of the royal family of Morocco and (formerly) of the ruler of any of various kingdoms in North-west…
    Monarcho1598
    
    derogatory. A monarch.
    sovran1649–
    
    = sovereign, n.
    sceptre-holder1655
    
    Elohima1682
    
    transferred. In allusion to the supposed use of the word in certain passages of the Bible to denote earthly potentates. (This interpretation is now…
    head of state1873–
    
    The chief public representative of a country (sometimes also the head of the government), such as a president or monarch.
    the Palace1962–
    
    the Palace: (metonymically) the monarch or monarchy; royal officials.
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  2. 2.b.
    1592–
    
    In figurative applications.
    1592
    Come Bel-imperi[a],..My sorrowes ease and soueraigne of my blisse.
    T. Kyd, Spanish Tragedie iii. sig. I
    1598
    Dan Cupid, Regent of Loue-rimes,..Th' annoynted soueraigne of sighes and groones.
    W. Shakespeare, Love's Labour's Lost iii. i. 177
    1616
    The knight..they crown The Soueraigne of glory and renowne.
    T. Scot, 2nd Part of Philomythie sig. B5^v
    1821
    Weak Verses, go, kneel at your Sovereign's feet.
    P. B. Shelley, Epipsychidion 30
3. 3.
  †
  1. 3.a.
    a1325–1762
    
    A mayor or provost of a town, in later use esp. in Ireland. Obsolete.
    a1325
    Ant anquestes..ben imad in tounes þoru him þat is souerein of þe toune.
    Statutes of Realm (2011) xiii. 67
    1399
    Whanne it drowe to þe day..Þat souereynes were semblid, and þe schire-knyȝtis.
    W. Langland, Richard Redeles iv. 32
    c1450
    Diligent execucioun of all that ye shall be chargid of be your sovereynys of this Cite, ye shall performe.
    Cal. Lett. Bk. ‘ D ’ Lond. 205
    1538
    When the Suffrain herde herof he soghte for the said Watkyne..who..bade the Suffrayne take the offendors.
    in P. H. Hore, History Wexford (1900) vol. I. 237
    1587
    If any man tell of many Magistrates; we will by and by inquire for the soueraigne.
    Sir P. Sidney & A. Golding, translation of P. de Mornay, Trewnesse of Christian Religion ii. 20
    1617
    The 26 day his Lordship wrote to the Soveraigne of Wexford.
    F. Moryson, Itinerary ii. 287
    1696
    The Association of the Soveraign, Burgesses, and Commonalty of the Borough of Carlingford in Ireland.
    London Gazette No. 3178/4
    1713
    John Ivory, the present Sovereign of the town of New Ross, and his Successors Sovereigns of the said Town.
    in P. H. Hore, History Wexford (1900) vol. I. 104
    1762
    A dancing-master was busily employed in the..market house [at Belfast]; till at twelve the sovereign put him out, by holding his court there.
    J. Wesley, Works (1872) vol. III. 90
    law
    society authority office holder of office magistrate municipal magistrate [nouns] chief magistrate or mayor
    borough-reeveOld English–1225
    
    A governor of a town or city; esp. the official who before the Norman Conquest represented the king's authority for fiscal and other purposes in…
    portreeveOld English–
    
    Originally: the governor or chief officer of a town or borough; = borough-reeve, n. a. After the Norman Conquest: a person equivalent in rank and…
    sovereigna1325–1762
    
    A mayor or provost of a town, in later use esp. in Ireland. Obsolete.
    mayorc1325–
    
    The head or chief officer of the municipal government of a city, borough, etc., now usually elected by local councillors or citizens (but appointed…
    Lord Mayor1414–
    
    (A title of) the head of the municipal government of London, Dublin, York, or (in later use) any of several other major cities. Esp. in earlier use…
    wick-master1587
    
    ? a mayor or burgomaster.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  2. 3.b.
    14..–1534
    
    † The Superior of a monastery of other conventual establishment. Obsolete.
    14..
    The sovereyne..owethe to se that none have more than nedethe nor lasse.
    Rule Syon Monastery liii, in Collectanea Topographica (1834) vol. I. 31
    1528–30
    So may the lorde haue an accyon agaynst the soueraygne of the house that taketh & admytteth his vylayne to be professed.
    translation of T. Littleton, Tenures (new edition) f. xvi^v
    1530
    Obedyence to the byddynges of god, and of youre reule, and of youre soueraynes.
    Myroure of Oure Ladye (Fawkes) (1873) 1st Prologue 2
    1534
    At the..pleasures of their masters & soueraines of the monasteries and priories.
    Act 26 Henry VIII c. 3 §8
    religion
    society faith administration and structure of religious organizations monasticism religious superior conventual head [nouns]
    sovereign14..–1534
    
    The Superior of a monastery of other conventual establishment. Obsolete.
    presidentc1410–
    
    An appointed or elected head of any gathering, who presides over meetings and proceedings. The head of a religious house or college of priests…
    superior1496–
    
    Christian Church. The head of a convent, monastery, or similar religious community, congregation, or institution. Also: the overall head of a…
    rector1601–
    
    Roman Catholic Church. The head of a community or seminary (esp. a Jesuit one).
    Father Superior1612–
    
    Christian Church. Designating the head of a religious order, congregation, community, or institution. Chiefly as postmodifier in titles, as Father Sup…
    View in Historical Thesaurus
4. 1. 4.a.
    1503–
    
    A gold coin minted in England from the time of Henry VII to Charles I, originally of the value of 22s. 6d. but subsequently worth only 10s. or 11s.
    There were also double and treble sovereigns. The first group of quotations exhibits some of the enactments relative to the coin, or indications of its value at different dates. See also half sovereign n.
    (a)
    1503–4
    All maner of Gold of the Coynes of a Sovereyn, Halfe Sovereyn, Riall, half Ryall..shall go and be curraunt in payment through all this..Realme.
    Act 19 Henry VII c. 5 §1
    1526
    [The King intends..to order by proclamation that the angel.. shall be current for 7s. 6d.,..the sovereign 22s. 6d., the demy-sovereign 11s. 3d.]
    Lett. & P. Henry VIII vol. IV. ii. 1149
    1543
    A Souerayne is y^e greatest Englysh coyne, and contayneth..4 crownes and an halfe, that is to saye 22s. 6d.
    R. Record, Ground of Artes i. sig. M.vi
    1551
    The old sovereign of fine gold which shall be current for thirty shillings of lawful money of England... A whole sovereign of crown gold which shall be current for twenty shillings.
    in J. Strype, Ecclesiastical Memorials (1822) vol. III. 45
    1591
    To Mr. Doctor Colmore a trible severignt, beinge thirtie shilling peyce.
    in W. Greenwell, Wills & Inventories Registry Durham (1860) vol. II. 190
    1611
    Raising..the angel and sovereign to eleven shillings, and the Jacobite piece to two and twenty.
    in R. F. Williams, Birch's Court & Times of James I (1848) (modernized text) vol. I. 147
    1688
    The Soveraign, Coined by Henry the Eighth, Edward the Sixth, Queen Elizabeth, King James,..passed for eleven shillings.
    R. Holme, Academy of Armory iii. 29/1
    1726–31
    By an Indenture of 2d. of Elizabeth, a pound weight of Gold..was coined..into 24 Sovereigns, at thirty Shillings a piece.
    N. Tindal, translation of P. Rapin de Thoyras, History of England (1743) vol. II. xvii. 157
    1726–31
    A pound weight of Crown Gold of 22 Carats fine, and 2 Carats alloy, was coined into..33 Sovereigns at twenty Shillings a piece.
    N. Tindal, translation of P. Rapin de Thoyras, History of England (1743) vol. II. xvii. 157
    1853
    To distinguish it from the previous rial, it was determined to call it a ‘sovereign’.
    H. N. Humphreys, Coin Collector's Manual vol. II. 446
    1853
    H. N. Humphreys, Coin Collector's Manual vol. II. 449 [etc.].
    (b)
    1514
    Johannes Smythe ostendit in camera..iij soveryns.
    Visitation of Bp. Nicke in A. Jessopp, Visitations of Diocese of Norwich (1888) 120
    1548
    The Merchantes of the Staple..presented her with an .C. souereyns of golde in a ryche purse.
    Hall's Vnion: Henry VIII f. ccxxxviii
    1600
    I gaue him foure Soueraignes for his paines.
    B. Jonson, Every Man out of his Humor v. iii. sig. R
    1607
    And you will stay till to morrow you shall haue it all in new soueraignes.
    T. Dekker & J. Webster, West-ward Hoe i. sig. B^v
    1615
    She hath old harry soveraignes, that saw no sunne in fiftie yeares.
    J. Stephens, Satyrical Ess. (1857) 233
    in extended use
    1660
    The Spanish Suffrain of gold, the Spanish Half-suffrain.
    in J. Simon, Essay Irish Coins (1749) 126
    coins and banknotes
    society trade and finance money medium of exchange or currency coins collective English coins [nouns] other English gold coins
    sovereign1503–
    
    A gold coin minted in England from the time of Henry VII to Charles I, originally of the value of 22s. 6d. but subsequently worth only 10s. or 11s.
    laurela1623–
    
    Numismatics. One of the English gold pieces (esp. those of 20s.), first coined in 1619, on which the monarch's head was figured with a wreath of…
    carolus1687–
    
    A gold piece struck in the reign of Charles I.; originally valued at 20s., but afterwards at 23s. The name has been given to various other coins…
    laureate1728–
    
    Numismatics. = laurel, n.¹ 4.
    o'goblin1909–25
    
    A sovereign (sovereign, n. A.4a). Cf. Jimmy O'Goblin n. at Jimmy, n.² 5, goblin, n.²
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  2. 4.b.
    1817–
    
    A British gold coin of the (nominal) value of one pound. Also attributive as sovereign purse, sovereign scales.
    1817
    That certain pieces of gold money should be coined, which should be called ‘sovereigns or twenty shilling pieces’.
    Royal Proclam. 1 July
    1827
    Sovereigns are the next most advisable articles, and lastly dollars.
    P. Cunningham, Two Years in New South Wales vol. II. xxvii. 164
    1840
    I'd give a guinea, that's to say a sovereign, to know what it is.
    T. Hood, Up Rhine 24
    1882
    What a ‘wonder’ it would be for some of us to ever give a sovereign to any good cause upon earth!
    J. Parker, Apostolic Life vol. I. 142
    attributive
    1859
    Sovereign Scales, Mint Weights, ¹/₆ extra.
    F. S. Cooper, Ironmongers' Catalogue 140
    1907
    Gentlemen's sovereign purses, Russia leather..4/6.
    Yesterday's Shopping (1969) 402/1
    1977
    Years afterwards I showed him a sovereign purse containing a solitary half sovereign.
    Lancashire Life December 59/1
    coins and banknotes
    society trade and finance money medium of exchange or currency coins collective English coins [nouns] coin of twenty shillings
    goldfinch1602–1896
    
    figurative and in figurative contexts (colloquial). A gold coin; a guinea; a sovereign. Cf. canary, n.⁵ 4. Obsolete.
    Harry sovereign1615–
    
    A sovereign of Henry VII or Henry VIII.
    piece1631–1805
    
    Any of various English gold coins current in different periods; spec. (a) the unite of James I; (b) a sovereign; (c) a guinea. See also broad piece…
    jingle-boya1640–
    
    A coin, spec. a sovereign; also, a man who has plenty of money in his pockets.
    broad piece?1650–
    
    A nickname for: a hammered gold coin still in circulation in England after the introduction of milled gold coinage in 1663, esp. a unite (see unite…
    yellow boy1654–
    
    A gold coin, esp. a guinea or a sovereign.
    quid1661–
    
    Originally: a sovereign; a guinea. Later: one pound sterling; (formerly also) one Australian pound.
    marigold1663
    
    slang. A gold coin (probably a sovereign or unite). Obsolete. rare.
    pound piecea1715–
    
    A piece of money worth a pound; a pound coin.
    gold penny1736–
    
    A gold coin, issued in 1257, of the value of 20 shillings.
    neddy1789–92
    
    cant. A guinea or sovereign; = ned, n.¹ 1. Obsolete.
    sovereign1817–
    
    A British gold coin of the (nominal) value of one pound. Also attributive as sovereign purse, sovereign scales.
    dragon1827–
    
    slang. A sovereign: from the device of St. George and the Dragon.
    sov1829–
    
    = sovereign, n. A.4b.
    chip?1836–
    
    slang. In plural. Money; cash. Frequently in in the chips: (chiefly North American) financially well off; wealthy.
    couter1846–
    
    A sovereign.
    thick 'un1848–
    
    Formerly: a gold sovereign (half a thick 'un, ten shillings); to smash a thick 'un (see smash, v.² 2). Also: a crown or five-shilling piece, and…
    monarch1851
    
    British slang. A coin of the value of one pound; = sovereign, n. A.4b. Obsolete.
    James1858–
    
    A sovereign. slang. (Cf. Jacobus, n.)
    skiv1858–
    
    A sovereign.
    Victoria1870–
    
    A sovereign minted in the reign of Queen Victoria.
    goblin1887–
    
    A sovereign (sovereign, n. A.4a). Cf. Jimmy O'Goblin n. at Jimmy, n.² 5, o'goblin, n.
    red one1890–
    
    A gold coin; spec. (in form red 'un) a sovereign.
    Jimmy1899–
    
    In full, Jimmy O'Goblin n. also with lower-case initials. Rhyming slang for ‘sovereign’, twenty shillings. Cf. goblin, n.², Jemmy O'Goblin, n. slang.
    quidlet1902–
    
    Originally: a sovereign; (occasionally also) half a sovereign. Later: one pound sterling; (formerly also) one Australian pound. Cf. quid, n.²
    Jimmy O'Goblin1931–
    
    In full, Jimmy O'Goblin n. also with lower-case initials. Rhyming slang for ‘sovereign’, twenty shillings. Cf. goblin, n.², Jemmy O'Goblin, n. slang.
    pound coin1931–
    
    A coin worth one pound sterling; (now) one introduced in the United Kingdom on 21 April 1983 and subsequently superseding the pound note; also…
    View in Historical Thesaurus
5. 5.
  1664
  
  † A variety of pear. Obsolete. rare.
  1664
  Pears. Windsor, Soveraign, Orange.
  J. Evelyn, Kalendarium Hortense 72 in Sylva
  plants
  the world plants particular plants cultivated or valued plants particular food plant or plant product particular types of fruit [nouns] pear other types of
  calewey1377–1400
  
  A kind of pear.
  honey peara1400–
  
  Any of several sweet varieties of pear.
  pome-pear1440–1640
  
  A variety of pear resembling an apple in shape. Cf. apple pear, n., pear apple, n.
  pome-wardena1513
  
  (Probably) = pome-pear, n.
  choke-pear1530–
  
  A name given to rough, harsh, and unpalatable varieties of the pear, used for perry.
  muscadel1555–1853
  
  A variety of pear. Cf. muscadine, n.¹ A.3, muscat, n. 3b. Obsolete.
  worry pear1562
  
  = choke-pear, n.
  lording1573–1828
  
  A variety of apple described as having a green skin and a sharp taste; the tree producing such apples. Occasionally also: a variety of pear. Obsolete.
  bon-chrétienc1575–
  
  Also -chrestien, -crestien. A name given to one or two kinds of pears.
  Burgundian pear1578–
  
  Belonging to Burgundy (in any of the senses of the name). †Burgonian cross = St Andrew's cross n. at St Andrew, n. 2. Burgundian hay: = Burgundy hay…
  king pear1585–
  
  Any of several cultivated varieties of pear, (in later use) spec. one having early-ripening fruits with a red-flushed yellow skin; a fruit of such…
  pound pear1585–
  
  Any of various large, late-ripening varieties of cooking pear.
  poppering1597–
  
  A type of pear; the tree bearing this. Also poppering pear.
  wood of Jerusalem1597–
  
  Phrases. In names of certain trees: wood of Jerusalem, a variety of pear; wood of life = lignum vitae, n. 1.
  muscadine1598–1854
  
  In full muscadine pear. A variety of pear with a sweet musky taste. Cf. muscat, n. 3b, muscadel, n. 3. Obsolete.
  amiot1600–
  
  (See quot.)
  bergamot1600–
  
  A fine kind of pear. Also attributive.
  butter pear1600–
  
  (a) Any of several varieties of pear which have sweet, juicy flesh with a soft, buttery texture; = beurré, n.¹; (b) an avocado; = butter fruit, n.
  dew-pear1600
  
  Name of a delicate kind of pear (obsolete).
  greening1600–58
  
  A variety of pear. Also greening pear. Obsolete.
  mollart1600
  
  A kind of pear (not identified).
  roset1600
  
  A kind of pear, perhaps = rose pear, n. Obsolete. rare.
  wax pear1600–
  
  A variety of pear of a wax-like colour.
  bottle pear1601–
  
  A variety of long-necked pear.
  gourd-pear1601–
  
  A pear shaped like a gourd (Latin pirum cucurbitinum).
  Venerian pear1601
  
  The Venus-pear.
  musk pear1611–
  
  In the names of varieties of fruits having a musky smell or taste, as musk apple, musk cherry, musk peach, musk pear, etc. Now rare.
  rose pear1611–1814
  
  Any of several varieties of pear, esp. one having rose-flavoured juice; cf. rosewater pear, n.
  pusill1615
  
  A variety of pear. rare.
  Christian1629–
  
  †(a) Also more fully Christian plum: a small variety of plum. Obsolete. (b) Also more fully Christian pear, good Christian pear: a Bon Chrétien pear…
  nutmeg1629–
  
  Any of several varieties of peach, plum, or pear. Also with qualifying word. Now rare and historical.
  rolling pear1629–82
  
  A variety of pear which is improved by bruising.
  surreine1629–
  
  A variety of pear.
  sweater1629
  
  Name for a variety of pear. Obsolete.
  amber pear1638–1921
  
  A variety of pear said to have a small rounded shape with the scent of ambergris or the scent or flavour of musk (cf. ambrette, n. 1).
  Venus-pear1648–
  
  A variety of pear mentioned by Pliny and Columella.
  horse-pear1657–71
  
  (Perhaps) a large or coarse variety of pear.
  Martin1658–1875
  
  More fully dry Martin, Martin dry, Martin sec. A variety of pear. Obsolete.
  russet1658–
  
  Any of several varieties of pear having a rough skin with a brownish or greyish cast; a pear of such a variety. Cf. rousselet, n., and sense…
  virgin1658–1886
  
  Any of several varieties of apple and pear. Obsolete.
  rousselet1660–
  
  Any of several varieties of pear having a reddish or russet skin. Also russelet pear. Frequently with distinguishing word.
  diego1664
  
  Name of a variety of pear.
  frith-pear1664
  
  The name of a kind of pear.
  maudlin1664–1707
  
  An early-ripening variety of pear. Cf. Magdalene, n. 4c. Obsolete.
  Messire Jean1664–1860
  
  = Monsieur John, n.
  primate1664–1747
  
  A variety of pear. Obsolete.
  sovereign1664
  
  A variety of pear. Obsolete. rare.
  spindle-pear1664
  
  A pear having the elongated form of a spindle.
  stopple-pear1664
  
  Some variety of pear (? shaped like a stopper).
  sugar-pear1664–1766
  
  A very sweet variety of pear.
  Windsor pear1664–
  
  attributive in names of various things now or originally obtained, made, cultivated, etc. at or near… (See quots.).
  violet-pear1666
  
  A violet-scented sort of pear.
  nonsuch1674–76
  
  A variety of winter pear. Obsolete.
  muscat1675–
  
  Any of several varieties of pear. Usually with distinguishing word. Now historical.
  burnt-cat1676
  
  A sort of pear.
  squash pear1676–1826
  
  squash pear, a variety of pear. squash perry, a beverage made from this. Obsolete.
  rose1678–
  
  A rose-coloured or reddish variety of apple, pear, potato, etc. Now rare.
  Longueville1681–
  
  A variety of pear. Frequently attributive as Longueville pear, Longueville pear tree.
  maiden-heart1685–1721
  
  A variety of pear.
  ambrette1686–1908
  
  Any of several varieties of pear having an odour or flavour of musk; the tree producing such a pear. Also ambrette pear. Obsolete.
  vermilion1691
  
  A red or reddish coloured variety of pear.
  admiral1693–1853
  
  Any of several cultivated varieties of pear. Also with distinguishing word. Obsolete.
  sanguinole1693–
  
  A kind of pear.
  satin1693–1908
  
  More fully satin pear. A variety of pear having a greenish-yellow skin and juicy, melting flesh. Also with distinguishing word. Obsolete.
  St. Germain pear1693–
  
  A fine dessert pear.
  pounder pear1697
  
  = pound pear, n.
  vine-pear1704–31
  
  (See quots.).
  amadot1706–
  
  A kind of pear.
  marchioness1706–1875
  
  A variety of dessert pear with a yellow skin and delicate flavour. Cf. marquis, n.¹ II.4a, marquise, n. 2. Obsolete.
  marquise1706–1875
  
  A variety of pear. Cf. marchioness, n. 2, marquis, n.¹ II.4a. Obsolete.
  Margaret1707
  
  A variety of early-ripening dessert pear. Obsolete. rare.
  short-neck1707
  
  A variety of pear having a rounded form.
  musk1708–98
  
  Short for musk apple, musk pear at compounds C.4a. Obsolete.
  burree1719
  
  See quot. 1719.
  marquis1728–1875
  
  A variety of autumn dessert pear. Also more fully marquis pear. Cf. marquise, n. 2. Obsolete.
  union pear1728–1878
  
  An English variety of cooking pear (also called Uvedale's St Germain).
  Doyenne pear1731–
  
  In full Doyenne pear. A variety of pear, esp. Doyenne du Comice, a large yellow late-fruiting pear, a favourite for cultivation.
  Magdalene1731–1824
  
  In full Magdalene pear. An early-ripening variety of pear. Cf. maudlin, n. Obsolete.
  beurré1736–
  
  A mellow variety of pear. Also attributive.
  colmar1736–
  
  A variety of pear.
  Monsieur Jean1736
  
  = Monsieur John, n.
  muscadella1736
  
  = muscadel, n. 3.
  swan's egg1736–
  
  Name of a variety of pear.
  chaumontel1755–
  
  A large variety of pear.
  St Michael's pear1796–
  
  A variety of pear, the white Doyenné, which is ripe at Michaelmas.
  Williams1807–
  
  In the genitive or as a modifier: designating a juicy variety of the Bon Chrétien pear, which typically has golden yellow skin with a reddish blush…
  Marie Louise1817–
  
  A variety of yellow-skinned pear. Also Marie Louise pear.
  seckel1817–
  
  A kind of pear. Also Seckel pear.
  Bartlett1828–
  
  = Williams, n.¹ 1 Frequently attributive, in Bartlett pear.
  vergaloo1828–
  
  The white doyenné or Warwickshire bergamot.
  Passe Colmar1837–
  
  A variety of winter dessert pear. Cf. colmar, n. 1.
  glou-morceau1859–
  
  A kind of pear.
  London sugar1860–
  
  Used attributively in various special collocations. A variety of pear.
  snow-pear1860–
  
  A variety of pear; esp. Pyrus nivalis, which comes into season after snow has fallen.
  Comice1866–
  
  A kind of dessert pear: = Doyenne du Comice at Doyenne, n.¹ Also Comice pear.
  slobber-chops1874–
  
  English regional (northern). A juicy variety of pear. Now rare.
  Kieffer pear1880–
  
  Used attributively in Kieffer pear to designate a variety of yellow-skinned pear (Pyrus pyrifolia var culta x P. communis) developed by Kieffer. Also…
  sand pear1880–
  
  An East Asian species of pear, Pyrus pyrifolia.
  sandy pear1884–
  
  = sand pear, n.
  snowy pear1884–
  
  The snow-pear (see snow-pear, n.).
  Asian pear1925–
  
  The nashi pear, Pyrus pyrifolia, native to eastern Asia.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
adjective
1. 1.
  c1330–1725
  
  † Of persons: Standing out above others or excelling in some respect. Obsolete.
  c1330
  Souereyne knyghtes þey were, hit seys.
  R. Mannyng, Chronicle Wace (Rolls) 13214
  c1386
  To him that is so soverayn of honour.
  G. Chaucer, Man of Law's Tale 991
  1402
  Seraphin he is the sovereynest, in charite he brennith.
  Polit. Poems (Rolls) vol. II. 60
  1493
  It is yeuen, & sende vs, fro our louyng fader. and fro our souereyne leche.
  Chastysing Goddes Chyldern (de Worde) xvii. sig. Dii^v/2
  1547
  He [sc. a cardinal] is alredy in the way and nygh to be hymself the great hatmaker, or souerayn haberdasher.
  translation of A. de Marcourt, Booke of Marchauntes (new edition) c vj
  a1577
  And that the maide released be, by soveraigne maidens might.
  G. Gascoigne, Princelie Pleasures Kenelworth sig. A.viij^v, in Whole Wks. (1587)
  1725
  As there is one Being sovereign to all the rest, and upon whom they all depend.
  J. Collier, Several Discourse 243
  the mind goodness and badness quality of being good excellence [adjectives] specifically of person
  wenlichc1200–50
  
  ? Worthy, excellent.
  greatc1300–
  
  attributive. Modifying an agent noun or equivalent.
  sovereignc1330–1725
  
  Of persons: Standing out above others or excelling in some respect. Obsolete.
  singular1485–1738
  
  Above the ordinary in amount, extent, worth, or value; especially good or great; special… Of persons. (Cf. A.III.9b) Obsolete.
  supreme?1611–
  
  Of a person: highest or greatest in character or achievement; designating a person who is the greatest or most accomplished of his or her class.
  superstar1915–
  
  attributive or as adj. Of or relating to a superstar; that is a superstar.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
2. 1. 2.a.
    c1340–
    
    Of things, qualities, etc.: Supreme, paramount; principal, greatest, or most notable.
    α forms
    c1340
    Bot þe mast soverayne ioy of alle Es þe syght of Godes bryght face.
    R. Rolle, Pricke of Conscience 7860
    c1383
    Prestis owen to make þe sacramentis of holi chirche wiþ souerayn deuocioun.
    in English Historical Review October (1911) 748
    1450–80
    The souereyne wisdome of god hath ordeynyd the coldes and the hetis.
    translation of Secreta Secretorum xx. 17
    1485
    Of whos comyng messyr Iaques had souerayn playsyr.
    W. Caxton, translation of Paris & Vienne (1957) 25
    a1533
    Me think it shulde be a souerayn foly.
    Lord Berners, translation of A. de Guevara, Golden Boke of Marcus Aurelius (1546) sig. Ee.^v
    1590
    The antique world..The guifts of soueraine bounty did embrace.
    E. Spenser, Faerie Queene ii.vii. sig. S3^v
    1702
    A Realm..Where every Ejulation, every Pain Alas, is too too truly Soverain.
    C. Beaumont, J. Beaumont's Psyche (new edition) vi. xliii. 72
    β forms
    1377
    For-þi god of his goodnesse þe fyrste gome Adam, Sette hym in solace & in souereigne myrthe.
    W. Langland, Piers Plowman B. xviii. 217
    1387
    Þe kyng hadde Englisshemen in sovereigne worschippe.
    J. Trevisa, translation of R. Higden, Polychronicon (Rolls) vol. VII. 111
    a1513
    When this Coilus had reygned in Soueraygne peace, by the terme of .liiii. yeres he dyed.
    R. Fabyan, New Cronycles of Englande & Fraunce (1516) vol. I. lviii. f. xxi
    1576
    Whose substance..may be to my person a singular ornament, and a souereigne safe~garde.
    A. Fleming, translation of Cicero in Panoplie of Epistles 19
    1605
    This correctiue spice, the mixture whereof maketh knowledge so soueraigne.
    F. Bacon, Of Aduancement of Learning i. sig. B2
    1642
    Free and soveraigne mercy and compassion might only be ascribed to God.
    D. Rogers, Naaman 9
    1683
    It is but just, that Man should pay a Soveraign Adoration and Respect to this bounteous Creator.
    Britanniæ Speculum 25
    1707
    This is his Sovereign Charm against Fear in an Engagement.
    E. Ward, Wooden World Dissected 99
    1829
    The good of his soul, is the sovereign object of his cares.
    I. Taylor, Natural History of Enthusiasm ix. 223
    1891
    They laughed over their troubles as though it were a sovereign joke.
    S. Baring-Gould, In Troubadour-land viii. 111
    γ forms
    1487 (a1380)
    Of so souerane gret bounte.
    J. Barbour, Bruce (St. John's Cambridge MS.) x. 274
    ?1507
    Thai..said thai suld exampill tak of her souerane teching.
    W. Dunbar, Tua Mariit Wemen (Rouen) in Poems (1998) vol. I. 54
    c1540 (?a1400)
    Iff it be worship & wit wisdom to shewe, Hit is sothely more soueran to see it in werke.
    Destruction of Troy 1125
    the mind attention and judgement importance [adjectives] most important of things other
    sovereignc1340–
    
    Of things, qualities, etc.: Supreme, paramount; principal, greatest, or most notable.
    chief1377–
    
    At the head or top in importance; most important, influential, or active; principal, foremost, greatest. Of things.
    grandc1390–
    
    Of an event, action, plan, achievement, etc. Chiefly with the or a demonstrative: great or important above all others of the kind; chief, main, major.
    staple1615–
    
    Originally, qualifying commodity or words of similar meaning: Having a foremost place among the products exported by a country or place. Hence, in…
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  2. 2.b.
    a1340–
    
    Qualifying good. (Frequently = summum bonum n.)
    a1340
    A souereyn goed þai may noght se.
    R. Rolle, Psalter iv. 8
    c1380
    In þe first boke of souereynest good.
    Antecrist in J. H. Todd, Three Treat. Wycklyffe (1851) 118
    1474
    Fayth is a souerayn good and cometh of the good wyll of the herte.
    W. Caxton, translation of Game & Playe of Chesse (1883) iii. ii. 86
    a1475 (?a1430)
    I wende trewly..That O gret Good most souereyn Sholde..Make a thyng ffor to be ful.
    J. Lydgate, translation of G. Deguileville, Pilgrimage of Life of Man (Vitellius MS.) l. 5900
    1594
    All things belonging to the saluation and soueraigne good of men.
    T. Bowes, translation of P. de la Primaudaye, French Academie vol. II. 5
    1625
    The knowledge of Truth..is the Soueraigne Good of humane Nature.
    F. Bacon, Essayes (new edition) 3
    1692
    Of all the Opinions of Philosophers concerning the Sovereign Good.
    translation of C. de Saint-Évremond, Miscellaneous Essays 333
    1738
    Thou hast on me bestow'd..The Taste Divine, the Sovereign Good.
    J. Wesley, Collection of Psalms & Hymns (new edition) iv. vii
    1744
    The Sovereign Good is that, the Possession of which renders us Happy.
    J. Harris, Three Treatises iii. i. 114
    a1871
    To promote the accomplishment of his supreme purpose—the Sovereign Good of the Community.
    G. Grote, Fragments on Ethical Subjects (1876) v. 137
    the mind goodness and badness quality of being good [nouns] highest good
    goodOld English–
    
    With modifying adjective, as first, prime, etc.: the highest or pre-eminent end to which human action can be directed; esp. the ultimate goal…
    highest goodOld English–
    
    (Chiefly with the) the most important or pre-eminent good; esp. the ultimate goal according to which values and priorities are established in an…
    sovereigna1340–
    
    Qualifying good. (Frequently = summum bonum, n.)
    summum bonum1563–
    
    Philosophy. The highest or supreme good, as the ultimate goal according to which values and priorities are established in an ethical system.
    supreme good1601–
    
    The highest good, esp. the ultimate goal according to which values and priorities are established in an ethical system; cf. highest good, n., summum…
    chief good1663–
    
    chief good, †chiefest good: used to translate Latin summum bonum.
    kalon1749–
    
    The (morally) beautiful; the ideal good; the ‘summum bonum’.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  3. 2.c.
    1749–
    
    Of contempt: Supreme, unmitigated.
    1749
    Which at last ended, on the Side of the Lady, in a sovereign Contempt for her Husband.
    H. Fielding, Tom Jones vol. I. i. vii. 130
    1794
    You hold in sovereign contempt these common failings of your sex.
    A. Radcliffe, Mysteries of Udolpho vol. III. v. 109
    1825
    The respect..turned into the most sovereign contempt for his meanness.
    T. Hook, Sayings & Doings 2nd Series vol. I. 125
    1886
    The great books..are treated by collectors and librarians with sovereign contempt.
    F. Harrison, Choice of Books 88
    the world relative properties quantity greatness of quantity, amount, or degree high or intense degree [adjectives] of the very highest degree
    overly1340
    
    Supreme. Obsolete.
    lasta1387–
    
    Most extreme; greatest in degree; ultimate. Cf. earlier last end, n. Now literary.
    for-greatc1440–
    
    consummatea1530–
    
    Of a thing, esp. a quality or state: of the highest degree; absolute, total; supreme.
    super-superlative1607–
    
    More than superlative; of the very highest quality or degree.
    yondmost1608–
    
    Farthest, most distant; farthest advanced, extreme, utmost; also absol. (the yondmost) = the uttermost.
    meridian1648–1734
    
    Of supreme excellence; consummate. Sometimes modifying a depreciative term. Obsolete.
    sovereign1749–
    
    Of contempt: Supreme, unmitigated.
    outside1843–
    
    Highest possible; greatest, maximum, extreme.
    ultra-high1936–
    
    gen. Exceedingly high; frequently in attributive phrase in combination with following noun.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
3. 3.
  1377–
  
  Of remedies, etc.: Efficacious or potent in a superlative degree. Frequently in figurative use.
  α forms
  1377
  Þe souereynest salue for alkyn synnes.
  W. Langland, Piers Plowman B. xx. 370
  1390
  Of Planteine He hath his herbe sovereine.
  J. Gower, Confessio Amantis vol. III. 131
  1493
  And this is a souerayn medicyn to al temptacions.
  Chastysing Goddes Chyldern (de Worde) iv. sig. Av/1
  a1500 (1422)
  Oryson is Souerayn remedy in euery trybulacion.
  J. Yonge, translation of Secreta Secretorum (Rawlinson MS.) (1898) 197
  1549
  The leaves, frute and sappe of these holy trees, were very holesome and soveraine.
  E. Allen, translation of L. Juda, Paraphr. Reuelacion S. John f. 37, in M. Coverdale et al., translation of Erasmus, Paraphrase Newe Testament vol. II
  1588
  A soueraine simple against disquiet & feare.
  R. Greene, Perimedes sig. Biii^v
  1633
  But how soveraine soever it [the Gospel] was of it selfe, yet it was not at all available to the good of many of them.
  Bishop J. Hall, Plaine Explication Hard Texts ii. 327
  1662
  There is also in this Province a Drug very soverain against the Worms.
  J. Davies, translation of A. Olearius, Voyages & Travels of Ambassadors 200
  β forms
  1578
  Belfloure..is soveraigne to cure the payne..of the necke.
  H. Lyte, translation of R. Dodoens, Niewe Herball ii. xx. 172
  1598
  Telling me the soueraignest thing on earth Was Parmacitie, for an inward bruise.
  W. Shakespeare, Henry IV, Part 1 i. iii. 56
  1632
  The soueraigne minerall against infections.
  W. Lithgow, Totall Discourse Trauayles iii. 97
  1697
  This Giben is..a soveraign Remedy for Coughs and Green Wounds.
  Philosophical Transactions 1695–7 (Royal Society) vol. 19 729
  1744
  I have found it of sovereign use as well during the smallpox as before it.
  G. Berkeley, Siris (ESTC T72826) §83
  1793
  I conclude that it..may therefore be sovereign in cases where the eye-lids are ulcerated.
  W. Cowper, Letter 3 January (1984) vol. IV. 269
  1839
  The sovereignest thing on earth for rendering the people wise.
  Morning Post 17 October
  1888
  That kind of belief..is sovereign against low spirits, carelessness, and inactivity.
  W. Besant, Eulogy R. Jeffries 85
  γ forms
  1600
  Souerane medicines and holsome for the bodie of man.
  P. Holland, translation of Livy, Romane Historie viii. xviii. 294
  pharmacology
  the world health healing medicines or physic [adjectives] efficacious supremely effective
  singulara1340–1712
  
  Above the ordinary in amount, extent, worth, or value; especially good or great; special… Of remedies, medicines, etc.: Excellent; highly…
  sovereign1377–
  
  Of remedies, etc.: Efficacious or potent in a superlative degree. Frequently in figurative use.
  magistral1574–1678
  
  Pharmacology. Of a remedy: sovereign, supremely effective. Obsolete.
  maystrial1576
  
  = magistral, adj. A.2.
  virtuous1582
  
  Of a plant, liquid, or other substance: having (magical) healing properties; affecting the body in a beneficial manner; potent; strengthening…
  prevalent1615–1800
  
  Of a medicine, treatment, etc.: efficacious, potent. Also with against. Obsolete.
  prevailing1706
  
  That is or proves to be superior in any contest; victorious; ruling; effective, influential.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
  the world action or operation advantage efficacy [adjectives] greatly in the utmost degree
  strengestOld English–1500
  
  Strongest (see the senses of strong, adj.).
  sovereign1377–
  
  Of remedies, etc.: Efficacious or potent in a superlative degree. Frequently in figurative use.
  extreme1595–1748
  
  Going to great lengths; opposed to moderate. Of material agents, influences, etc.: Effective in the utmost degree; exceedingly intense or…
  sovrana1834–
  
  = sovereign, adj.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
4. 4.
  a1425
  
  † In literal sense: Lofty. Obsolete. rare.
  a1425 (c1395)
  Whether wisdom crieth not ofte..In souereyneste and hiȝ coppis.
  Bible (Wycliffite, later version) (Royal MS.) (1850) Proverbs viii. 2
  the world space relative position high position [adjectives]
  highOld English–
  
  With a premodifying noun phrase consisting of a noun denoting or implying a measure of upward distance… Having a specified upward dimension or…
  high-seta1382–
  
  Placed or located in a high position; high above the ground or another point of reference.
  sovereigna1425
  
  In literal sense: Lofty. Obsolete. rare.
  airy1565–
  
  Located high in the air, lofty. Hence: exalted, celestial.
  sublime?1567–
  
  Set or raised aloft; high up. Now rare (archaic in later use). In predicative use. Chiefly poetic.
  haughty1570–1626
  
  High, lofty (in literal sense). Obsolete. (Often with some shade of sense 1.)
  supernal1599–
  
  Situated above or at the top, upper; high up, lofty. Also: above ground. Now rare.
  aerial1608–
  
  Placed or positioned high in the air; lofty, elevated. Also figurative.
  upward1622–
  
  Situated or lying aloft or above; higher in place or position; lofty.
  high-top1653–
  
  That has a high top; high, tall.
  superincumbent1659–
  
  Chiefly literary. Situated or suspended above; overhanging.
  supern1703
  
  Situated above or at the top; upper. Obsolete. rare.
  highish1778–
  
  Somewhat high (in various senses).
  high-up1831–
  
  Very high (in various senses of high, adj.); far up. attributive.
  high-level1842–
  
  Situated or occurring relatively far above ground level or some other downward limit; situated at a level higher up than that of something else.
  altitudinous1868–
  
  High, lofty (literal and figurative).
  View in Historical Thesaurus
5. 1. 5.a.
    1340–
    
    Of persons: Having superior or supreme rank or power; spec. holding the position of a ruler or monarch.
    α forms
    1340
    Þanne ssel he keste his greate manzinge as þe heȝe bissop an souerayn pope.
    Ayenbite (1866) 189
    c1400
    Þai schall com..before Godd þe souerayne Iugge.
    Mandeville's Travels (Roxb.) xiii. 56
    c1450 (c1350)
    Þus Dindimus þe dere king enditeþ his sonde And God bysecheþ to save þe soveraine prinse.
    Alexander & Dindimus (Bodleian MS.) (1929) l. 811
    1472–3
    The soverayn Ruler or Keper of such Castell, Towne,..or other place.
    Rolls of Parliament vol. VI. 5/2
    1563
    Our sauiour Jesus Christ..beynge our souerayne Byshop.
    2nd Tome of Homelyes Of Repentance ii
    1598
    O soueraine God! that once I might but knowe Greefe without hope to sease vpon thy soule.
    B. Yong, translation of G. Polo, Enamoured Diana in translation of J. de Montemayor, Diana 456
    β forms
    1390
    As he which is king sovereign Of al the worldes governaunce.
    J. Gower, Confessio Amantis vol. I. 9
    1390
    To thee, which art god sovereign.
    J. Gower, Confessio Amantis vol. II. 52
    1600
    The twelve knitches of rods were born by the Lictors before the soveraigne judge.
    P. Holland, translation of Livy, Romane Historie iii. 109
    1611
    Sultane,..a Sultannesse; or soueraigne Princesse.
    R. Cotgrave, Dictionarie of French & English Tongues
    1678
    The Justice-Court of old, was the only Soveraign Court of the Nation.
    G. Mackenzie, Laws & Customes of Scotland ii. 424
    1710
    The Prince..abhor'd the Profanation offer'd to his Sovereign-Empress.
    Lord Shaftesbury, Soliloquy 168
    a1763
    He..hath been introduced to most of the sovereign princes.
    W. King, Polit. & Lit. Anecd. (1819) 132
    1825
    Partly because, being members of the sovereign body, they would have it so.
    J. Bentham, Rationale of Reward 16
    1839
    Evagoras..claimed to be treated as a sovereign prince, the great king's equal in rank and title.
    C. Thirlwall, History of Greece vol. VI. 123
    1877
    To the Sovereign Pontiffs..we are principally indebted for whatever fragments have been preserved.
    J. Northcote, Catacombs ii. vi. 109
    γ forms
    c1480 (a1400)
    For chastite is souerane quene of al vertuise euir bedene.
    St. Thomas Apostle 155 in W. M. Metcalfe, Legends of Saints in Scottish Dialect (1896) vol. I. 133
    c1485 (1456)
    The pape is souerane to the Emperour, And the Emperour subiect to the pape.
    G. Hay, Buke of Law of Armys (2005) 102
    ?a1513
    Sen thow with wirschep wald sa fane be styld, Haill, souerane senȝeour.
    W. Dunbar, Flyting in Poems (1998) vol. I. 203
    society authority [adjectives] supreme (of authority) having supreme authority
    mostOld English–
    
    Of a person: greatest in respect of power, authority, importance, or consequence. Formerly frequently (chiefly Scottish) in most master n. a ruler…
    sovereign1340–
    
    Of persons: Having superior or supreme rank or power; spec. holding the position of a ruler or monarch.
    overest1481–1894
    
    figurative. Highest in rank, quality, etc. Obsolete.
    supreme1496–
    
    Of a person: highest in authority or rank; holding the highest place in authority, government, or power. Formerly also with †to: superior to, having…
    primea1591–
    
    Of a person or group of people: very important or powerful; foremost, leading, greatest.
    sovran1649–
    
    = sovereign, adj.
    rankest1907–
    
    Of the highest rank; most senior.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  2. 5.b.
    c1374–
    
    Frequently as a qualification of lord or lady.
    α forms
    c1374
    Me þat ye callid your mastresse, Youre soverayne ladye.
    G. Chaucer, Anelida & Arcite 252
    a1375 (c1350)
    I sette ȝou for no soudiour but for souerayn lord, to lede al þis lordschip as ȝou likes euer.
    William of Palerne (1867) l. 3954
    1414
    Oure soverain Lord, youre humble and trewe lieges [etc.].
    Rolls of Parliament vol. IV. 22
    1459
    The seid Lord had sent his servaunt to oure Soverayne Lady the Quene.
    Rolls of Parliament vol. V. 369/2
    1530
    She hath ben his soverayne lady.
    J. Palsgrave, Lesclarcissement 478/2
    1590
    Locrine was left the soueraine Lord of all.
    E. Spenser, Faerie Queene ii.x. sig. X6
    β forms
    c1430
    Sovereigne lord, welcome to youre citee!
    J. Lydgate, Minor Poems (Percy Soc. MS.) 10
    1474
    Oure Souerygne lady, the Quene.
    Coventry Leet Book 405
    1558
    She beinge our sovaraigne lord and ladie, other kinges..ought to paye tribute unto her.
    in J. Strype, Annals of Reformation (1709) vol. I. ii. App. i. 399
    1614
    What now is one of our particular Notes of Maiestie, not giuen to any but the supreme, I mean Soueraign Lord or Lady.
    J. Selden, Titles of Honor 125
    1678
    Shall I entertain thee against my Soveraign Lord?
    J. Bunyan, Pilgrim's Progress 98
    1727
    When Heaven the world with creatures stor'd, Man was ordain'd their sov'reign lord.
    J. Gay, Fables vol. I. xxxvi. 123
    1820
    There rides a faithful servant of his most beautiful and Sovereign Lady.
    W. Scott, Monastery vol. III. xi. 297
    1832
    No marvel, sovran lady! in fair field, Myself for such a face had boldly died.
    Lord Tennyson, Dream Fair Women xxxi, in Poems (new edition) 130
    γ forms
    1482
    Ye xxj yer of our soveran lorde kyng Edward the fourth.
    in J. Raine, Volume of English Miscellanies Northern Counties Eng. (1890) 41
    1529
    For commond weill of owre sowerane lordis legis.
    in C. Innes, Registrum Episcopatus Aberdonensis (1845) vol. I. 395
    1581
    To..my seuerane ladye Marie the Quenis maiestie of scotland.
    J. Hamilton, Catholik Traictise Epist. f. 2
  3. 5.c.
    a1616–
    
    Of states, communities, etc.
    a1616
    I am too high-borne to be..Instrument To any Soueraigne State throughout the world.
    W. Shakespeare, King John (1623) v. ii. 82
    1682
    The King is..a free Prince of Sovereign Power.
    A. Mudie, Present State of Scotland ii. 23
    1772
    The Baron..has been condemned by the sovereign courts to be kept 15 days in prison.
    Annual Register 1771 i. 67
    1819
    The defendant, a sovereign state, denies the obligation of a law enacted by the legislature of the union [etc.].
    J. Marshall, Writings upon Federal Constitution (1839) 160
    1835
    Athens had still its law of libel, by which the majesty of the sovereign people was protected.
    T. Mitchell in translation of Aristophanes, Acharnians 448 (note)
    1868
    A State is called a sovereign State when this supreme power resides within itself.
    T. M. Cooley, Treat. Constit. Law U.S.A. i
    society authority [adjectives] supreme (of authority) having supreme authority of state or community
    sovereigna1616–
    
    Of states, communities, etc.
    View in Historical Thesaurus
  4. 5.d.
    1977–
    
    Banking. Designating or pertaining to a commercial loan made to a sovereign state.
    1977
    This..may have improved the quality of the banks' loan portfolio..but what about the corresponding rise in the country of ‘sovereign’ risks?
    47th Annual Rep. Bank International Settlement 102
    1982
    Only £26 million was set aside as a general provision, which is where the bank is believed to take account of sovereign loans.
    Daily Telegraph 8 December 21/4
    1983
    The report calls for much greater availability of information about sovereign lending.
    Times 3 March 17/3
    banking
    society trade and finance financial dealings moneylending [adjectives] types of loan
    self-liquidating1851–
    
    Finance. Of credit, a loan, etc.: that is repaid, usually over a fixed period, from the revenue generated by the assets acquired or developed using…
    non-recourse1905–
    
    attributive. Of, designating, or relating to, a loan under the terms of which the lender has a limited right of recourse, or none, against the…
    impaired1921–
    
    Finance. Designating a loan on which the lender is unlikely to be able to collect all amounts due.
    bridging1930–
    
    Finance. Designating money loaned or borrowed to cover a short-term financial deficit, esp. in an interval between two transactions; relating to or…
    conventional1936–
    
    U.S. Finance. Designating a mortgage loan offered by a bank or other private lender, as opposed to one guaranteed by a government agency.
    interest-only1942–
    
    Of or relating to a loan (typically a mortgage) on which the borrower pays only the interest for some or all of the term, leaving the principal…
    tied1958–
    
    Of an international loan, etc.: given subject to conditions as to its use (see tie, v. 5f).
    underwater1975–
    
    figurative. Chiefly U.S. Designating or relating to a loan with a balance that exceeds the current market value of the loan.
    sovereign1977–
    
    Banking. Designating or pertaining to a commercial loan made to a sovereign state.
    single currency1978–
    
    spec. Designating a loan or mortgage made in a single currency that is not the recipient's national currency.
    roll-up1983–
    
    Finance (chiefly British). Designating a type of secured loan (esp. a second mortgage) on which regular repayments are not made and interest is…
    self-certified1989–
    
    Chiefly British. Of a loan or mortgage: obtained by a person declaring his or her financial standing in a formal statement, without the…
    sub-sovereign1991–
    
    Banking. Of or relating to commercial lending to a sub-sovereign government body. Cf. sovereign, adj. B.5d.
    subprime1993–
    
    Banking and Finance. Of, relating to, or designating a loan, typically having relatively unfavourable terms, made to a borrower who does not…
    View in Historical Thesaurus
6. 6.
  ?1533–
  
  Of power, authority, etc.: Supreme.
  ?1533
  Most redouted imperiall myght and souerayne maiesty.
  G. Du Wes, Introductorie for to lerne Frenche sig. Siv
  1595
  Shee giues him soueraigne rule, and publique right.
  G. Markham, Most Honorable Tragedie of Sir Richard Grinuile lii
  1643
  That the Soveraignest power and jurisdiction..resides in the whole Kingdom and Parliament.
  W. Prynne, Soveraigne Power of Parliaments i. 101
  1676
  In change of Government, The Rabble..Do Sovereign Justice.
  J. Dryden, Aureng-Zebe i. 3
  1759
  The sovereign authority was by this treaty transferred wholly into the hands of the congregation.
  W. Robertson, Hist. Scotland iii, in Historical Works (1813) vol. I. 181
  1851
  The sovereign power resided in the governor and freemen of the province.
  W. H. Dixon, William Penn vii. 231
  1878
  This sovereign and paramount influence.
  B. Stewart & P. G. Tait, Unseen Universe Introduction 14
  society authority [adjectives] supreme (of authority)
  supremea1475–
  
  Of authority, command, or rank: highest in degree.
  sovereign?1533–
  
  Of power, authority, etc.: Supreme.
  View in Historical Thesaurus
  society authority power [adjectives] of power: great or supreme
  sovereign?1533–
  
  Of power, authority, etc.: Supreme.
  unlimiteda1586
  
  Having no limits; not restricted as regards amount, extent, degree, scope, etc.; subject to no limitation or restriction; (esp. of power…
  View in Historical Thesaurus
7. 7.
  1609–
  
  Of or belonging to, characteristic of, supremacy or superiority.
  1609
  Fvll many a glorious morning haue I seene, Flatter the mountaine tops with soueraine eie.
  W. Shakespeare, Sonnets xxxiii. sig. C3^v
  1725
  He led the Goddess to the sovereign seat.
  E. Fenton in A. Pope et al., translation of Homer, Odyssey vol. I. i. 171
  1850
  Disobedience..was an offence doubly irritating to his nature on account of his sovereign habits as a jailer.
  L. Hunt, Autobiography vol. II. xiv. 141
  1870
  He really sees things with their sovereign eye.
  J. R. Lowell, Among my Books (1873) 1st Series 324
  society authority [adjectives] supreme (of authority) relating to supreme authority
  sovereign1609–
  
  Of or belonging to, characteristic of, supremacy or superiority.
  View in Historical Thesaurus

Forms

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Variant forms

1.

α.

Middle English
souereayn, souereeyne, souerein, souereine, souorain, souureyn, sovreyn
Middle English–1500s
souerain, soueraine, souerayn, souerayne, souereyn, souereyne, soverayn, soverayne, sovereyn, sovereyne
Middle English–1600s
soverain, soveraine
1500s; 1700s
soverein, sovereine

β.

Middle English
soeuereigne, souerign, souerygne, souueraigne
Middle English–1500s
soueraigne, soueraygne
Middle English–1600s
souereign, souereigne, sovereigne
Middle English–
sovereign
1500s
sovaraign, soveraygne
1500s–1600s
soveraigne
1500s–1700s
soveraign

γ. Chiefly Scottish

Middle English
sowran, sowrane, sowuran, sowurane
Middle English–1500s
soveran, soverane
Middle English–1600s
soueran, souerane

[For examples of these forms see the senses below.]

δ.

Middle English
souerant-, soueren, souereng, soueryn, soueryng, souerynge, soveraynt-
1500s
souereyng, soverand, soverande

1390–1440
Þat folc..vnderuonge þere Kyng Egbryȝt to her soueryn.
Robert of Gloucester's Chronicle (Harley MS.) 5183
1421
Masturs & souerens of this wurthy Cite.
Coventry Leet Book 36
c1460
More Richesse than his Soveryng Lord.
J. Fortescue, Governance of England (1714) 61
1535
Our most..gracyose souereyng lord the Kynge.
A. Borde, Letter 20 June in Fyrst Book Introd. Knowledge (1870) Foreword 53
1537
Our soverand lord kyng Henrie.
in T. Wright, Three Chapters of Letters Suppression of Monasteries (1843) 153
c1540 (?a1400)
In faith of þo faire soueryn.
Destruction of Troy 11459
1548
The King o^r Soverande Lorde.
Act 2 & 3 Edward VI c. 38 §4

2.

α.

Middle English
sofereyn, sofferayn, sofreyn, suffrayn, suffrein, suffreyn, sufrayn
Middle English–1500s
sufferayne
1500s
soferayne, sufferaigne, sufferaine, sufferayn, suffereigne, sufferein, suffrayne
1500s–1600s
suffrain

a1340
Ask..þi sufrayns.
R. Rolle, Psalter 514
14..
Fyrst hyle to hym honowre That suffreyn is and socowre.
in Tundale's Visions (1843) 149
c1440
He is sufferayne of all thyng.
York Mysteries xiv. 46
1452
Our sofferayn lorde the Kyng.
Calendar of Ancient Records of Dublin (1889) 277
1528
In the xix^th yere of our sofreyn lord kyng henry the viij^th.
in I. S. Leadam, Select Cases Star Chamber (1911) vol. II. 168
1534
With a sufferayn of golde thereto nailed.
in E. Peacock, English Church Furniture (1866) 191
c1540 (?a1400)
Diamede..said to þat suffrayn.
Destruction of Troy 5055
1562
A soferayne medicine.
W. Turner, 2nd Part Herball f. 123
1567
The most sufferaigne Vertues in all the whole kinde of Stones & Mettals.
J. Maplet, Greene Forest (title page)
1587
A sufferaigne ointment for shrunken sinnowes.
T. Dawson, Good Huswifes Iewell f. 50

β.

Middle English
soferan, sufferen, suffirane
Middle English–1500s
sufferan, suffran, suffrane (Scottish)
1500s
sufferyn, suffren

c1460
A, sufferen lord, þi wille be fulfilled.
Abraham & Isaac in N. Davis, Non-Cycle Plays & Fragments (1970) 39
1515
The Quene my mastres and suffrane.
A. Williamson in Douglas's Works (1874) vol. I. Introduction p. xxii
1540
To M^r John Danyell..oon sufferyn.
in J. W. Clay, North Country Wills (1908) vol. I. i. 172
c1540 (?a1400)
Plenty of Setis..in a serkyll þe soferan before.
Destruction of Troy 4817
1553
The good suffren of kylkennie..brought me thyder in the night.
J. Bale, Vocacyon 5 b

γ.

Middle English
soferand, sufferande, suffraynd
Middle English–1500s
sufferante
1500s
sufferaunce (plural), sufferent, sufferente

1432
To my sufferante lorde Prior of Durham.
in Burton & Raine, Hemingbrough (1888) 383
c1440
Gude god oure suffraynd syre.
York Mysteries x. 163
a1500 (a1460)
Take tent to me, youre soferand syre.
Towneley Plays (1994) vol. I. viii. 72
a1500–34
Loo! sufferentis, now ma you be glad.
Coventry Corpus Christi Plays (1902) 2
1553
All our olde angelles..and our newe sufferantes.
Request true harted Englysheman 12
1562
Sufferente against all hote diseases.
W. Bullein, Booke of Simples f. 7, in Bulwarke of Defence

δ.

1500s
suffaryng
1500s–
suffering

Now only dialect, or slang.

1538
Our suffaryng lorde kyng henry the viijth.
in F. J. Furnivall, Gild of St. Mary, Lichfield (1920) 15
1594
The Archbishop gave me a payre of sufferings to drinke.
J. Dee 29 June in Private Diary (1842) 50
1837
Here's my authority. Blank Tupman, blank Pickwick—against the peace of our sufferin Lord the King.
C. Dickens, Pickwick Papers xxiv. 251
1914
I've..played..till twelve at night, and then not made half a suffering.
E. Pugh, Cockney at Home 221

Frequency

sovereign typically occurs about ten times per million words in modern written English.

sovereign is in frequency band 6, which contains words occurring between 10 and 100 times per million words in modern written English. More about OED's frequency bands

Frequency data is computed programmatically, and should be regarded as an estimate.

Frequency of sovereign, n. & adj., 1750–2010

* Occurrences per million words in written English

Historical frequency series are derived from Google Books Ngrams (version 2), a data set based on the Google Books corpus of several million books printed in English between 1500 and 2010.

The overall frequency for a given word is calculated by summing frequencies for the main form of the word, any plural or inflected forms, and any major spelling variations.

For sets of homographs (distinct entries that share the same word-form, e.g. mole, n.¹, mole, n.², mole, n.³, etc.), we have estimated the frequency of each homograph entry as a fraction of the total Ngrams frequency for the word-form. This may result in inaccuracies.

Decade	Frequency per million words
1750	59
1760	90
1770	90
1780	100
1790	87
1800	93
1810	84
1820	85
1830	76
1840	76
1850	72
1860	61
1870	51
1880	47
1890	41
1900	37
1910	27
1920	25
1930	22
1940	19
1950	19
1960	19
1970	14
1980	11
1990	11
2000	12
2010	12

Frequency of sovereign, n. & adj., 2017–2023

* Occurrences per million words in written English

Modern frequency series are derived from a corpus of 20 billion words, covering the period from 2017 to the present. The corpus is mainly compiled from online news sources, and covers all major varieties of World English.

Smoothing has been applied to series for lower-frequency words, using a moving-average algorithm. This reduces short-term fluctuations, which may be produced by variability in the content of the corpus.

Period	Frequency per million words
Oct.–Dec. 2017	5.2
Jan.–Mar. 2018	5.8
Apr.–June 2018	6.7
July–Sept. 2018	6.9
Oct.–Dec. 2018	6.7
Jan.–Mar. 2019	6.6
Apr.–June 2019	6.9
July–Sept. 2019	7.0
Oct.–Dec. 2019	7.0
Jan.–Mar. 2020	6.8
Apr.–June 2020	6.9
July–Sept. 2020	6.9
Oct.–Dec. 2020	6.8
Jan.–Mar. 2021	6.7
Apr.–June 2021	6.5
July–Sept. 2021	6.5
Oct.–Dec. 2021	7.6
Jan.–Mar. 2022	8.4
Apr.–June 2022	9.5
July–Sept. 2022	8.7
Oct.–Dec. 2022	8.5
Jan.–Mar. 2023	7.8

Compounds & derived words

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sovereignly, adv. c1340–

In a supreme degree; in a surpassing or pre-eminent manner.

half sovereign, n. 1504–

An English (and later British) gold coin, having a face value of half that of a sovereign (sovereign, n. A.4); the sum or value represented by this.

sovereignful, adj. 1508

Noble.

sovereignness, n. 1532–1661

The state or condition of being sovereign.

sovereignity, n. c1560–1784

= sovereignty, n.

sovereign, v. 1585

transitive. To deal with as a sovereign.

sovereigntess, n. 1586–1613

= sovereigness, n.

sovereigness, n. 1600–86

A female sovereign.

abbot sovereign, n. 1607–

= abbot-general, n.

Harry sovereign, n. 1615–

A sovereign of Henry VII or Henry VIII.

sovran, adj. & n. 1649–

= sovereign, adj.

sovereignize, v. 1656–1716

intransitive. To exercise supreme power; to rule as a sovereign. (Common in 17th cent.)

sovereignship, n. a1668–

The personality of a sovereign.

under-sovereign, n. a1680–

(under-, prefix¹ affix 3a.i.)

quarter sovereign, n. 1745–

sovereign immunity, n. 1780–

Immunity of a sovereign or state (including certain state departments or officials) from civil suit or criminal prosecution in its own courts, or…

co-sovereign, n. 1793–

A joint sovereign; a fellow-sovereign.

citizen sovereign, n. 1795–

Royal Sovereign, n. 1795–

Any of various varieties of cultivated plants, chiefly fruits; spec. (in later use) a large early-ripening variety of strawberry.

sub-sovereign, n. & adj. 1797–

Subordinate to a sovereign authority, body, etc.; spec. designating a regional or local government body.

demi-sovereign, n. 1817

merchant-sovereign, n. 1826

sov, n.¹ 1829–

= sovereign, n. A.4b.

sovereignly, adj. 1884–

Befitting a sovereign.

sovereignist, adj. & n. 1982–

Of or relating to the advocacy or advocates of governmental independence for Quebec.

sovereign wealth fund, n. 2005–

A state-owned investment fund; abbreviated SWF; cf. sovereign, n. B.5d.

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How is the word sovereign pronounced?

British English

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Earlier version

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Pronunciation

British English

British English

Consonants

Vowels

Other symbols

Forms

Quotations

Contents

Date of use

Variant forms

1.

α.

β.

γ. Chiefly Scottish

δ.

2.

α.

β.

γ.

δ.

Frequency

Frequency of sovereign, n. & adj., 1750–2010

Frequency of sovereign, n. & adj., 2017–2023

Compounds & derived words