I. ˈlȯrd noun
Etymology: Middle English loverd, lord, from Old English hlāford, from hlāf 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
II. intransitive verb
Date: 14th century
: to act like a lord ; especially : to put on airs — usually used with it
lord s it over his friends