[lord] n [ME loverd, lord, fr. OE hlaford, fr. hlaf loaf + weard keeper--more at loaf, ward] (bef. 12c) 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 obs: 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 ~"
2. cap 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): an 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 pl, cap: house of lords 4--used as a British title: as a--used as part of an official title "Lord Advocate" 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
[2]lord vi (14c): to act like a lord; esp: to put on airs--usu. used with it "~s it over his friends"