The status of a fully independent state should be contrasted with that of dependent or vassal states, where a superior state has the legal authority to impose its will over the subject, or inferior, state.
plural pilafs. Learner's definition of PILAF. [count, noncount] : a dish that is made of seasoned rice and vegetables and often meat. a vegetable pilaf. a serving of rice pilaf.
Rice is a particular grain, Oryza sativa. Pilaf is a dish, made of rice cooked in broth, often with other ingredients. There are a wide varieties of dish called pilaf (or some variant) in various cultures. Other grains may be cooked in the pilaf style. Here's one basic recipe; there are thousands of variations: http://mideastfood.about.com/od/...