 The collective "Lords" can refer to a group or body of peers.According to the Oxford Dictionary of English, the etymology of the word can be traced back to the Old English word "hlāford" which originated from "hlāfweard" meaning "loaf-ward" or "bread-keeper", reflecting the Germanic tribal custom of a chieftain providing food for his followers.The appellation "lord" is primarily applied to men, while for women the appellation "lady" is used.