Scottish Lairds of Parliament

Some further reflections on the appropriate use of the word "Laird" as
in Laird of Parliament.
The word laird is a dialectal (circa 1450, and later, in Scotland and
Northern England) variant of Lord and therefore is used appropriately
as above. The word laird is taken from the Middle English (ME) word
"laverd" (13 C.) which, in turn has the following etymology. ME<OE
hlaford derived from the earlier word hlafweard = halaf (loaf) + weard
(warder; keeper) or taken together one who feeds dependents; a land
owner. Scottish Barons of the realm are commonly referred to as
Lairds" (English Historical Review, Volume 116, No 469 (Nov. 2001) pp.
1103-1133). Nevertheless, the phrases Laird of Parliament and Lord of
Parliament are both appropriate and both usages are currently correct.
As ever, Ralph Mottram.
.

Relevant Pages

  • Re: a question for Annie C
    ... I've always had the impression that the local laird is similar to the local squire. ... It's sort of in between an English knight and an English baron (John, Lord Doescountry). ...
    (rec.arts.mystery)
  • Re: a question for Annie C
    ... I've always had the impression that the local laird is similar ... English knight and an English baron (John, Lord Doescountry). ...
    (rec.arts.mystery)
  • Re: LoM / Feudal Baronies auction
    ... He 'obviously' meant nothing of the sort. ... We are entitled to assume that someone means what he says - and when he says 'laird ', we are bound to interpret that as meaning he thinks that the terms 'laird' and 'peer' are interchangeable. ... My 'belligerence', as you call it, arises from having to deal with people like you, who when they are proved to have lied then start making personal remarks. ... the Scottish Peerage is 'Lord of Parliament'. ...
    (rec.heraldry)
  • Re: 12th Laird of Culloden
    ... Joseph Harding FORBES, 12th Laird of Culloden, born Muirton Morayshire ... Now we've photographed many cemeteries in Queensland and can say with some confidence that Scottish lairds are in short supply in Queensland cemeteries. ... Did the 12th Laird of Culloden really end his days in the small town of Childers? ... Unlike Lord of the Manor, titles the title of laird is a 'corporeal heriditament', i.e. the title can not be held in gross, and can not be bought and sold without selling the physical land. ...
    (soc.genealogy.britain)
  • Re: a question for Annie C
    ... I've always had the impression that the local laird is similar ... English knight and an English baron (John, Lord Doescountry). ...
    (rec.arts.mystery)