overlord

Noun

overlord (plural overlords)

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.
   • The leader is the man who knows the way of the overlords but identifies with the life of the oppressed.1981, William Irwin Thompson, The Time Falling Bodies Take to Light: Mythology, Sexuality and the Origins of Culture, London: Rider/Hutchinson & Co., page 195
2. (historical) A feudal lord directly owed rent or personal service by a tenant of subinfeudated land, a tenant's liege lord.
   • The tenant owed a variety of obligations to his overlord—usually including military service or serjeanty—but these were gradually converted into monetary rents.

   Synonyms:

   liege lord, chief lord, tyrant, despot, &c.

3. (typically derogatory) 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.
   • One thing is for certain, there is no stopping them; the ants will soon be here. And I, for one, welcome our new insect overlords.1994 February 24, David Mirkin, “Deep Space Homer”, in The Simpsons, season 5, episode 15, spoken by Kent Brockman

Verb

IPA/ˌəʊvə(ɹ)ˈlɔː(ɹ)d/

overlord (third-person singular simple present overlords, present participle overlording, simple past and past participle overlorded)

1. To rule over; to domineer.
   • Poor Johnny one-note sang out with gusto / And just overlorded the place1937, Rodgers and Hart, “Johnny One Note”