But suzerains, too, had to preserve their honor and prestige by their relationships and behavior.
The "ideal of conquest" is "not a destructive and predatory invasion", but "a sacrificial progression" aiming at "a strengthening adhesion to a suzerain power".
A chief held his district by virtue of his own strength rather than the direct patronage of a suzerain.
Respect their history, respect their dignity, shake off the arrogance and haughtiness of the suzerain!
The suzerain, e.g. bishop, abbot, or other possessor, granted an estate in perpetuity to a person, who thereby became his vassal.
These requirements had to be repeated as often as there was a change in the person of the suzerain or vassal.
This social role was crucial: a suzerain, or feudal overlord, was dependent upon his vassals to mobilize on his behalf in case of war.
A suzerain can also refer to a feudal lord, to whom vassals must pay tribute.
