Note (57) — Chapter I
Reading edition
Both hlàford and hlæfdige (Lord and Lady) are very puzzling words as to the origin of their later syllables. It is enough for my purpose if the connexion of the first syllable with hlàf be allowed. Different as is the origin of the two words, hlàford always translates dominus. The French seigneur, and the corresponding forms in Italian and Spanish, come from the Latin senior, used as equivalent to dominus. This is one of the large class of words which are analogous to our Ealdorman.