monsignor, -nore
(mɒnsiːˈnjɔː(r), -ˈnjɔːreɪ, mɒnˈsiːnjə(r))
Pl. monsignori (-ˈnjɔːriː).
[It. Monsignore (shortened -signor), formed after Fr. monseigneur: see signor.]
An honorific title bestowed upon prelates, officers of the Papal court and household, and others. Also absol.
| 1641 Milton Ch. Govt. ii. i. 43 Bilson hath decipher'd us all the galanteries of Signore and Monsignore, and Monsieur. 1670 G. H. Hist. Cardinals ii. i. 130, I have encharged Monsignor Burlemont to wait upon you. 1768 Baretti Acc. Manners & Cust. Italy II. 168 Their cardinals and principal monsignori's seem in general to have a greater turn for the science of politics than for any other. 1813 C. O'Conor Columbanus ad Hibernos No. 6. 116 The thunders of scarlet Cardinals and purple Monsignores. 1870 Disraeli Lothair lxiii, There were some cardinals in the apartment and several monsignori. 1884 Men of Time (ed. 11) 218/2 Monsignor Capel..was named private chamberlain to Pope Pius IX., in 1868. 1896 Century Mag. Feb. 595 ‘Monsignori’ are not necessarily bishops, nor even consecrated priests, the title being really a secular one. |
Hence monsiˈgnorial a., possessing this title.
| 1876 Tinsley's Mag. XIX. 342 [He] was not a cardinal archbishop, a monsignorial prelate, or Loyolite. |