n.1 a a member of the lowest order of the British nobility. b a similar member of a foreign nobility.
2 an important businessman or other powerful or influential person (sugar baron; newspaper baron).
3 hist. a person who held lands or property from the sovereign or a powerful overlord.
Phrases and idioms:
baron of beef an undivided double sirloin.
Etymology: ME f. AF barun, OF baron f. med.L baro, -onis man, of unkn. orig.