(adj) (of political bodies) not controlled by outside forces, Syn. independent, self-governing, sovereign, Example:an autonomous judiciary; a sovereign state
a. [ Gr. &unr_;; &unr_; self + &unr_; to assign, hold, sway. ] 1. Independent in government; having the right or power of self-government. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. (Biol.) Having independent existence or laws. [ 1913 Webster ]