lessor
UK[ˈlesɔː(r)]US[ˈlesər]
n
a person or company that grants a lease; a landlord.
Morpheme Breakdown
less
or
less
to let
or
agent suffix
Etymology
the word 'lessor' entered english in the late middle english period, borrowed from the anglo-french legal term lessour. this term itself derives from the old french verb lesser, meaning 'to let, to leave', which traces back to the latin verb laxare, 'to loosen, slacken, release'. the semantic journey is from the physical idea of 'loosening' or 'releasing' control over something to the legal concept of 'letting' property for a term. the suffix -or, of latin origin, is a standard agent-noun ending, thus a 'lessor' is literally 'one who lets out (property)'.
Analysis
Structure: less (to let) + or (agent suffix)
- less: from old french lesser (modern laisser), meaning 'to let, leave, allow', of latin origin. functions as the verb root meaning 'to let out'.
- or: from latin -or, a suffix forming agent nouns. functions as a nominalizing suffix indicating 'a person or thing that does something'.
Examples
the lessor is responsible for major structural repairs to the building.
before signing, ensure you understand all obligations imposed by the lessor.
the contract clearly states the conditions under which the lessor may enter the premises.