DOMINUS

In feudal and ecclesiastical law. A lord, or feudal superior. Dominus rex, the lord the king; the king’s title as lord paramount. 1 Bl. Comm. 367. Dominus capitalis, a chief lord. Dominus medius, a mesne or intermediate lord. Dominus ligius, liege lord or sovereign. Id. Lord or sir; a title of distinction. It usually denoted a knight or clergyman; and, according to Cowell, was sometimes given to a gentleman of quality, though not a knight, especially if he were lord of a manor. The owner or proprietor of a thing, as distinguished from him who uses it merely. Calvin. A master or principal, as distinguished from an agent or attorney. Story, Ag.