'landlady' originates from Middle English, specifically the words 'land' and 'lady', where 'land' meant 'ground or territory' and 'lady' referred to a 'woman of authority'.

'landlady' changed from the Middle English word 'landelady' and eventually became the modern English word 'landlady'.

Initially, it meant 'a woman who owns land', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a woman who rents out property'.