Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person appointed master of revels at a Christmas celebration: Historically, the "lord of misrule" was an individual chosen to preside over the festive games, entertainments, and general merrymaking during the Christmas season, particularly in medieval and Tudor England. This role involved leading the revelry, which often included a temporary inversion of the normal social order.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The college appointed a student as the lord of misrule to organize the holiday festivities.
  • In the historical pageant, the actor playing the lord of misrule led the crowd in songs and games.

Advanced Usage

• The concept of the lord of misrule is often studied as an example of a "carnivalesque" tradition, where social norms are temporarily suspended through ritualized chaos and celebration.
• The title can be used metaphorically to describe someone who encourages or presides over playful disorder in a non-historical context.
  • With his wild party ideas, John became the unofficial lord of misrule for our office gatherings.

Variants and Related Words

• Master of the revels: A similar formal title for someone in charge of entertainment, especially at a court or institution.
• Abbot of Unreason: A related Scottish historical title for a similar figure presiding over festive misrule.

Synonyms

• Master of ceremonies (specifically for festive, boisterous events)
• Revel master
• King of the feast

Related Idioms & Phrases

• To play the lord of misrule: To take on the role of leading merrymaking and temporary disorder.
  • For the weekend retreat, she decided to play the lord of misrule and planned a series of fun, rule-breaking games.

Noun

1. a person appointed master of revels at a Christmas celebration