overlord

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈəʊvə(ɹ)lɔː(ɹ)d/ / /ˌəʊvə(ɹ)ˈlɔː(ɹ)d/

Etymology: From Middle English oferrlaferrd, orlard, our-lord, ouyr-lord, equivalent to over- + lord.

A ruler of other rulers.
“The various tribal chieftains met each spring to elect an overlord that would lead them in time of war.”
“The leader is the man who knows the way of the overlords but identifies with the life of the oppressed.”
A feudal lord directly owed rent or personal service by a tenant of subinfeudated land, a tenant's liege lord.
“The tenant owed a variety of obligations to his overlord—usually including military service or serjeanty—but these were gradually converted into monetary rents.”
Anyone with overarching power or authority in a given domain.
“The crusty old professor was overlord of the history department, and few dared to cross his will.”
“One thing is for certain, there is no stopping them; the ants will soon be here. And I, for one, welcome our new insect overlords.”

Etymology: From Middle English oferrlaferrd, orlard, our-lord, ouyr-lord, equivalent to over- + lord.

To rule over; to domineer.
“Poor Johnny one-note sang out with gusto / And just overlorded the place”