n.
a man of noble rank or high office.
▸
(Lord)
(in the UK) a title given formally to a baron, and less formally to a marquess, earl, or viscount (prefixed to a family or territorial name).
▸
(the Lords)
the House of Lords, or its members collectively.
▸
(Lord)
(in the UK) a courtesy title given to a younger son of a duke or marquess (prefixed to a Christian name).
▸a feudal superior, especially the owner of a manor house.
▸
(Lord)
a name for God or Christ.
exclam.
(
Lord)
used in exclamations expressing surprise or worry, or for emphasis.
v.
(
lord it over)
act in a superior and domineering manner towards.
Phrase
- Lord Muck
see muck. - Lord
(God)
of hosts
God as Lord over earthly or heavenly armies. - the Lord's Day
Sunday. - the Lord's Prayer
the prayer taught by Christ to his disciples, beginning ‘Our Father’. - the Lord's Supper
the Eucharist (especially in Protestant use). - My Lord
(in the UK) a polite form of address to judges, bishops, and certain noblemen.
Derivative
- lordless adj.
- lord-like adj.
Etymology
OE hlāford, from hlāfweard ‘bread-keeper’, from a Gmc base (see loaf1, ward); cf. lady.