n.
Pronunciation: ' lo ̇ rd
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English loverd, lord, from Old English hl ā ford, from hl ā f 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