lord

lord · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A man of noble rank or high office; a peer.

  2. 2.

    **(Lord)** A title of certain British noblemen or high officials.

  3. 3.

    **(the Lord)** God or Jesus Christ.

  4. 4.

    A feudal superior; a master or ruler.

  5. 5.

    An exclamation of surprise or emphasis.

Forms

plural: lords

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    lord it over — Act in a superior manner toward others.
  • •
    Lord knows — God only knows; nobody knows.
  • •
    drunk as a lord — Extremely drunk.
  • •
    the Lord's Prayer — The prayer taught by Jesus.
  • •
    lord and master — A husband (often ironic).
  • •
    House of Lords — The upper house of the UK Parliament.

Related words

Antonyms: commoner, servant, subject
See also: god, king, lady, master, noble
Synonyms: master, nobleman, peer, ruler

Etymology

From Old English hlāfweard ("loaf-ward, bread-keeper"), from hlāf ("bread, loaf") + weard ("guardian, keeper"). The compound reflects the lord's role as the provider of food to his household. Compare with "lady" (from "loaf-kneader").