The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word KAMI
K
A
M
I
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "a lord" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case a lord = kami.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does KAMI mean?
KAMI noun- An animistic God or spirit in the Shinto religion of Japan.
- The metaphysical causal generator of motion, life, or divinish aura.
- (papercraft) A basic origami paper, usually printed with a colour or pattern on one side.
- An animistic God or spirit in the Shinto religion of Japan.
- The metaphysical causal generator of motion, life, or divinish aura.
- (papercraft) A basic origami paper, usually printed with a colour or pattern on one side.