etymology · 700s–900s
lord
Drift #21 · Jun 2, 2026 · status
Meaning comparison
Today it means
a person of high rank; a British title of nobility
It used to mean (700s–900s)
the guardian of bread; the head of a household who provides food
Etymology
'Lord' comes from Old English 'hlāford' — hlāf (loaf of bread) + weard (guardian). A lord was literally a bread-guardian, the one who fed the household. 'Lady' carries the same root: 'hlæfdige' — the bread-kneader. Nobility was originally defined by the ability to feed others.
The Drift
How the meaning shifted over time
the drift
In Historical Context
He was a generous lord of the hall, never letting any man leave his table unsatisfied, for his honour lay in the abundance of what he gave.
drift fact
'Lady' comes from the same bread root — 'hlæfdige,' the bread-kneader. Lord and Lady were originally defined entirely by their roles feeding the household.
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