Main Entry: bar·on

Pronunciation: \ˈber-ən, ˈba-rən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German baro freeman

Date: 13th century

1 a : one of a class of tenants holding his rights and title by military or other honorable service directly from a feudal superior (as a king) b : a lord of the realm : noble, peer
2 a : a member of the lowest grade of the peerage in Great Britain b : a nobleman on the continent of Europe of varying rank c : a member of the lowest order of nobility in Japan
3 : a joint of meat consisting of two sirloins or loins and legs not cut apart at the backbone <a baron of beef>
4 : a man who possesses great power or influence in some field of activity <a cattle baron>