n. 1 a a boy or youth. b a young son. 2 (esp. in pl.) colloq. a man; a fellow, esp. a workmate, drinking companion, etc. (he's one of the lads). 3 colloq. a high-spirited fellow; a rogue (he's a bit of a lad). 4 Brit. a stable-worker (regardless of age). lad's love = SOUTHERNWOOD.
[ ME ladde, of unkn. orig. ]