baron

bar-on · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A member of the lowest rank of the British nobility, or a European nobleman of similar rank.

  2. 2.

    A powerful person in a particular industry or field.

  3. 3.

    A large joint of beef consisting of two sirloins joined at the backbone.

Forms

plural: barons

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    robber baron — A ruthless capitalist or industrialist.
  • •
    press baron — A powerful newspaper owner.
  • •
    drug baron — A powerful drug trafficker.

Related words

See also: baroness, lord, nobility
Synonyms: lord, nobleman, peer

Etymology

From Old French baron ("man, warrior, nobleman"), possibly of Germanic origin related to baro ("freeman").