land·lord \ˈlan(d)ˌlȯrd, -aan-, -lȯ(ə)d\noun Etymology: Middle English, from land (I) + lord 1.: one who lets land to another : the owner or holder of land or houses which he leases or rents to another — compare lessor < landlord-ridden countryside > 2.: the master of an inn or lodging house < my companion fetched out the jolly landlord — Joseph Addison > 3.Scotland: a host in a private house