Sir
/sɜːr/noun
A respectful form of address for a man, often used to denote knighthood or authority.
Did you know?The term 'Sir' originally denoted a nobleman, deriving from the Old French 'sire', which means 'lord' or 'master', linking to the concept of feudal loyalty and servitude.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ser-
“to protect or serve, often in a noble context.”
Old French
Old French
sire
“lord, master, an address to a man of high rank.”
Middle English
Middle English
sire
“a respectful title for a man, indicating nobility.”
15th Century
English
sir
“a title of respect for a knight or gentleman.”
Modern English
English
sir
“a formal term of respect for a man, especially in addressing a knight.”