overlord

noun

  1. 1

    A ruler of other rulers.

    The various tribal chieftains met each spring to elect an overlord that would lead them in time of war.
  2. 2

    In the English feudal system, a lord of a manor who had subinfeudated a particular manor, estate or fee, to a tenant.

    The tenant thenceforth owed to the overlord one of a variety of services, usually military service or serjeanty, depending on which form of tenure the estate was held under.
  3. 3

    Anyone with overarching power or authority in a given domain.

    The crusty old professor was overlord of the history department, and few dared to cross his will.

verb

  1. 1

    To rule over; to domineer.

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