suzerain

A nation that controls another nation in international affairs but allows it domestic sovereignty.

A feudal lord to whom fealty was due.

A feudal lord or baron; a lord paramount. Also used attributively.

A superior lord, to whom fealty is due; a feudal lord; a lord paramount.

A dominant nation or state which has control over the international affairs of a subservient state which has domestic autonomy.

A feudal land-owner to whom peasants were forced to pledge allegiance.

Pertaining to suzerain

a state exercising a degree of dominion over a dependent state especially in its foreign affairs