Lordlines

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Qualities or manner befitting a lord, such as dignity, authority, and a certain aristocratic bearing
2. The stately, commanding demeanor associated with someone of noble rank or lordly standing
3. Behavior and presence characteristic of a lord, marked by pride, grace, and an air of command

Etymology: "Lordlines" is the plural of "lordline," a compound of "lord" and "line." The plural adds the "s" to the second part, so it refers to several such lines. Neither part is a suffix, so the form is simply the two stems joined together. "Lord" comes from Old English "hlaford," which was probably formed from "hlaf," meaning "loaf," and "weard," meaning "keeper" or "guardian." The earliest sense was therefore roughly "bread-keeper," the person who dispensed food to a household. "Line" came into English from Latin "linea," a line or cord, which was derived from "linum," flax, because early lines were made of linen thread. Joined together, the two parts describe a line of lordship or nobility, though a "lordline" is not a widely attested standalone term.