Lord of Misrule

noun

1. (in England) a person formerly chosen to direct the Christmas revels and sports.

Lord of Misrule

noun

1. (formerly, in England) a person appointed master of revels at a Christmas celebration

Word History and Origins

Origin of Lord of Misrule¹

First recorded in 1490–1500

Example Sentences

He was, Bradford wrote, "the Lord of Misrule" – the archetype of a dangerous type who Puritans believed create mayhem, including at Christmas.

From Salon

Mr. Lee recalled that lifestyle in his 2003 memoir “Lord of Misrule,” an adaptation of his earlier autobiography.

From New York Times

Kennedy’s many books include the collections “Nude Descending a Staircase,” ”Cross Ties” and “The Lords of Misrule.”

From Washington Times

Simon Callow narrates Rik Mayall: Lord of Misrule, a look at the career of the late comic, while Mrs Brown's Boys returns for a two-part special.

From BBC

He became known as the King of the Bean because of how he was chosen and also as the Lord of Misrule due to the mayhem that occurred while he presided over Carnival.

From Scientific American