"The various tribal chieftains met each spring to elect an overlord that would lead them in time of war."
2.NounA 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."
3.NounAnyone 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."