E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Lord.
A nobleman.
1
The word lord is a contraction of hlaf-ord (Saxon for “loaf-author” or “breadearner”). Retainers were called hlaf-ætas, or “bread-eaters.” Verstegan suggests hlaf-ford, “bread-givers.” (See LADY.)
2
We have in Anglo-Saxon hlaf-ord, hlaford-gift (lordship), hlaford-less (lordless), hlafordom (dominion), and many more similar compounds.
3
Lord, a hunchback (Greek, lord-os, crooked). Generally “My lord.”
Lord, a hunchback (Greek, lord-os, crooked). Generally “My lord.”
