Dictionary entry

Lombard (2)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Lom″bard, n. [F. lombard, fr. the Longobardi or Langobardi, i.e., Longbeards, a people of Northern Germany, west of the Elbe, and afterward in Northern Italy. See Long, and Beard, and cf. Lumber.] 1. A native or inhabitant of Lombardy.

2. A money lender or banker; — so called because the business of banking was first carried on in London by Lombards.

3. Same as Lombard-house.

A Lombard unto this day signifying a bank for usury or pawns. Fuller.

4. (Mil.) A form of cannon formerly in use. Prescott.

Lombard Street, the principal street in London for banks and the offices of note brokers; hence, the money market and interest of London.