Hîredair

The Hîrath (S."Lords") or Hîredair (sgl. "Hiradar": S."Lord Father") were the heads of the noble families of Arnor (Nossëturi in traditional Arthedain). Especially in Cardolan, Hîr became the common title for the ruling lords of the land after the practical end of it’s royal line. The title was a loose translation of the ancient Númenórean title Bar or Barûn. Therefore Hîradar was also translated as "Lord" or "Baron". Originally the title Hîr, as a royal vassal, was opposite to that of the Ernil, a formally independent "Prince" (Ad."Er"). The Great Families were also known as the Belevair (S."Mighty Houses") or Nossër Melehtar (among the Quenya speakers). Among the Sindar, Hîr designated any greater leader or master of a craft, without referring to an explicit title of nobility or vassal-status. In Rhudaur the heads of the Great Families were known as the Airain or Tirath, and were more similar in status to petty kings (there had never been more than five at one time).

In Arnor, lords ruled their own piece of land or heirdom (S: "Hirdor").