Main Entry: ¹lord

Pronunciation: \ˈlȯrd\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English loverd, lord, from Old English hlāford, from hlāf loaf + weard keeper — more at loaf, ward

Date: before 12th century

1 : one having power and authority over others: a : a ruler by hereditary right or preeminence to whom service and obedience are due b : one of whom a fee or estate is held in feudal tenure c : an owner of land or other real property d obsolete : the male head of a household e : husband f : one that has achieved mastery or that exercises leadership or great power in some area <a drug lord>
2 capitalized a : god 1 b : jesus
3 : a man of rank or high position: as a : a feudal tenant whose right or title comes directly from the king b : a British nobleman: as (1) : baron 2a (2) : a hereditary peer of the rank of marquess, earl, or viscount (3) : the son of a duke or a marquess or the eldest son of an earl (4) : a bishop of the Church of England c plural capitalized : house of lords
4 —used as a British title: as a —used as part of an official title <Lord Advocate> <Lord Mayor> b —used informally in place of the full title for a marquess, earl, or viscount c —used for a baron d —used by courtesy before the name and surname of a younger son of a duke or a marquess
5 : a person chosen to preside over a festival