2 entries found for lord.
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lord[1,noun] lord[2,verb]

Main Entry: ¹lord
Pronunciation: l()rd
Function: noun
Etymology: Old English hlford "lord," literally, "bread keeper," from hlf "loaf of bread" and weard "keeper, guard" --related to LADY, LOAF --see Word History at LADY
1 a : a person who has power and authority; especially : a ruler to whom service and obedience are due b : a person from whom a feudal estate is held
2 capitalized a : GOD 1 b : JESUS
3 : a man of rank or high position: as a : a feudal tenant holding his estate directly from the king b : a British nobleman or a bishop entitled to sit in the House of Lords -- used as a title c plural, capitalized : HOUSE OF LORDS
Word History The word lord comes from the Old English word hlford. This word was formed from the words hlf, meaning "loaf of bread," and weard, meaning "keeper, guard." This "bread keeper," however, actually had no more to do with bread than our modern "breadwinner." The hlford was much more important than his title suggests. He was the head of a great household and had power and authority over many people. The related word lady developed in much the same way.