Lord

Lord (A.S. hlaford; from hlaf, 'loaf,' and, probably, weard, 'keeper,' 'master'—i.e. master of the house), a title given in Great Britain to persons noble by birth or by creation. Peers of the realm are so styled, including such archbishops or bishops as are members of the House of Lords, who are Lords Spiritual. By courtesy, the title Lord is given to the eldest sons of dukes, marquises, and earls, prefixed to an inferior title of the peerage, and to the younger sons of dukes and marquises, prefixed to their Christian name and surname (see COURTESY TITLES). The following persons, amongst others, bear the title Lord in virtue of their employments—the Lord-lieutenant of Ireland and Lords-lieutenant of counties, the Lord Chancellor, Lord Privy Seal, Lords of the Treasury and of the Admiralty, the Lord High Admiral, Lord Great Chamberlain and Lord Chamberlain, Lord High Constable, Lord High Almoner, Lord High Steward, Lord Steward of the Household, Lords in Waiting, Lords of the Bedchamber, Lords Justices, the Lord Chief-justice, the Lord Mayors of London, York, and Dublin, and the Lord Provosts of Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Perth, and the Lord Advocate of Scotland (see special articles on TREASURY, JUSTICE, MAYOR, &c.). The judges of the Courts of Session and Justiciary in Scotland have the title 'Lord' prefixed to their surname or some territorial designation assumed by them; and throughout the three kingdoms judges are addressed as 'My Lord' when presiding in court. See ADDRESS (FORMS OF), NOBILITY, and PARLIAMENT.