lords and masters

Noun

lord and master (plural lords and masters)

1. A husband, especially one who is domineering.
   • She may say what she will, but I know very well that she is the most miserable-est lady alive, and I could tear his eyes out; husband, indeed? and so, because I listen'd to the fellow's love, and nonsense stutf, and took pity on him, when he was going to hang or drown himself, he must think, as...1806, Thomas Holcroft, The Deserted Daughter: A Comedy in Five Acts
2. One who has control or dominance.
   • I'd hardly used them either, do you know what I mean; I was just getting the hang of them when the Lord and Master decided they had to come off. There was no consultation, no let's sit down and chat about the pros and cons, just woof, off with his bollocks.2008, Fabian Black, The Stationmaster's House, →ISBN, page 83
3. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see lord, master.
   • Master Ridley, after right hearty commendations: It chanced me, upon Wednesday last past, to be present at your sermon in the court, wherein I heard you confirm the doctrine in religion set forth by our late sovereign lord and master, whose soul God pardon!1843, Nicholas Ridley, Henry Christmas, The Works of Nicholas Ridley, D.D., Sometime Lord Bishop of London, Martyr, 1555