overlord

== English == === Etymology === From Middle English oferrlaferrd, orlard, our-lord, ouyr-lord, equivalent to over- +‎ lord. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): (noun) /ˈəʊvə(ɹ)lɔː(ɹ)d/ IPA(key): (verb) /ˌəʊvə(ɹ)ˈlɔː(ɹ)d/ === Noun === overlord (plural overlords) A ruler of other rulers. (historical) A feudal lord directly owed rent or personal service by a tenant of subinfeudated land, a tenant's liege lord. (typically derogatory) Anyone with overarching power or authority in a given domain. ==== Synonyms ==== (subinfeudating lord): liege lord, chief lord (pej. master): tyrant, despot, &c. ==== Hypernyms ==== (subinfeudating lord): lord, feudal lord, lord of the manor ==== Hyponyms ==== (subinfeudating lord): mesne lord ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Related terms ==== overlady ==== Translations ==== === Verb === overlord (third-person singular simple present overlords, present participle overlording, simple past and past participle overlorded) To rule over; to domineer. === References === === Anagrams === lord over