Overlord
/ˈoʊ.vɚ.lɔːrd/noun
A person who has supreme power or authority over others.
Did you know?The word entered English in the late Middle Ages as a feudal term for a superior lord, and its ominous modern vibe comes from real hierarchy, not fantasy.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
ofer
“over, above, beyond”
Old English
OE
hlāford
“lord, master, keeper of bread”
Middle English
ME
overlord
“a lord superior to other lords”
14th Century
English
overlord
“a feudal superior with authority over tenants or lesser lords”
Modern English
English
overlord
“a person or power exercising dominating authority”