landlady
UK[ˈlændleɪdi]US[ˈlændleɪdi]
n
a woman who rents land, a building, or accommodation to tenants.
n
a woman who owns or runs a boarding house, inn, or pub.
Morpheme Breakdown
land
lady
land
land
lady
woman
Etymology
the word 'landlady' is a transparent compound formed within english from two native germanic elements. the first element, 'land', derives from proto-germanic landą, meaning "land" or "ground," and has retained its core semantic connection to property and territory throughout its history. the second element, 'lady', originates from old english 'hlæfdige', a compound of 'hlāf' (loaf, bread) and dīg (knead), literally meaning "bread-kneader" or "one who prepares bread," which evolved to signify a woman in a position of authority within a household. by the late old english period, the compound 'landlady' emerged logically to denote a woman who owns land or property and holds authority over it, specifically in the capacity of renting it out, a meaning that has remained consistent into modern usage.
Analysis
Structure: land (land) + lady (woman)
land: from old english 'land', meaning "ground, soil, territory". it functions as the core noun, indicating the property or real estate involved.
lady: from old english 'hlæfdige', meaning "female head of a household, mistress". it functions as the agent noun, specifying the female gender and role of the owner or manager.
Examples
the landlady was very strict about noise after 10 pm.
we complained to the landlady about the leaking roof.
she became a landlady after inheriting the apartment building from her father.