Definition

1. Noun:
   • A landowner, especially in Scotland: A "laird" is a person who owns a large area of land, particularly in Scotland. The term historically denotes a member of the landed gentry, often the owner of a country estate.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The old laird owned most of the land in the glen.
  • As the new laird, he was responsible for the upkeep of the estate and the welfare of the tenants.

Advanced Usage

• "Laird of [Place Name]": A traditional title used to denote ownership or lordship over a specific area.
  • He was known as the Laird of Glenfinnan.
• Used to convey a sense of traditional, hereditary ownership and local authority, often in a historical or literary context.

Variants and Related Words

• Lairdship (n): The position, estate, or authority of a laird.
  • He inherited the lairdship along with the family home.

Synonyms

• Landowner: A person who owns land.
• Squire: A country landowner, especially the chief landowner in an area.
• Lord: A person having power or authority over others, often a hereditary title; in a Scottish context, can be similar to laird but typically of higher rank.

Related Phrases

• Laird and lady: Refers to the laird and his wife, akin to "lord and lady."
  • The laird and lady hosted the village festival at the manor.

Noun

1. a landowner