‖ messire Now only Hist.
(mɛsir)
[Fr.; repr. the nom. (L. meus senior), while monsieur represents the accusative (L. meum seniōrem).]
A title of honour (= Sir) prefixed to the name of a French noble of high rank, and later to the names of persons of quality, and members of the learned professions; also used as a form of address.
| 1477 Earl Rivers (Caxton) Dictes 2 A worschipful man callid messire Jehan de Teonuille. a 1548 Hall Chron., Hen. VIII 206 Messire Pomoray the Frenche Ambassador. 1865 Baring-Gould Werewolves xii. 215 Do you think then, messire, that your servants will accuse you? |