/bar"euhn/ , n.
1. a member of the lowest grade of nobility.
2. (in Britain)
a. a feudal vassal holding his lands under a direct grant from the king.
b. a direct descendant of such a vassal or his equal in the nobility.
c. a member of the House of Lords.
3. an important financier or industrialist, esp. one with great power in a particular area: an oil baron.
4. a cut of mutton or lamb comprising the two loins, or saddle, and the hind legs. Cf. baron of beef .
[ 1200-50; ME baron- (s.of baro ) man ]