Obs. Forms: 6 soueraintess, 7 -tesse; 6 sourantesse, -entisse, 7 soufrentesse. [f. SOVEREIGN sb. The intrusive t is probably due to the influence of sovereignty.] = SOVEREIGNESS.
1586. Warner, Alb. Eng., III. xviii. (1592), 76. One seemed to haue passed Stix, and entring Plutos gate, Saw Hecat new canonized the Sourantisse of hell.
1591. Sylvester, Du Bartas, I. iv. 718 (1641), 37/1. Seas Soveraintess, Sleep-bringer, Pilgrims guide.
1592. Warner, Alb. Eng., VII. xxxvi. 154. Anatomize my braine, And ore my Senses see your self the Sourentesse [1612 Soufrentesse] to raigne.
1613. Heywood, Silver Age, I. i. B iij. To lay the least grosse imputation Vpon the Queene, my beauteous Soueraintesse.
