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.
1 Rice (or any other grain) is sometimes quickly fried in oil or fat before boiling (for example saffron rice or risotto); this makes the cooked rice less sticky, and is a cooking style commonly called pilaf by American chefs or biryani (Dam-pukhtak) in India, Pakistan, and Iran.