English

Etymology

over- + lord

Noun

1. A ruler of other rulers.
2. :The various tribal chieftains met each spring to elect an overlord that would lead them in time of war.
3. Anyone with overarching power or authority in a given domain.
4. :The crusty old professor was overlord of the history department, and few dared to cross his will.

Usage notes

• The second sense frequently carries negative connotations; calling one an overlord can imply tyranny or authoritarianism.

Derived terms

• overlordship

Translations

• Icelandic: lénsdrottinn , lénsherra

fr:overlord vi:overlord zh:overlord