Concept
Sir
Overview
Sir is a formal honorific address in English for men, derived from Sire in the High Middle Ages. Both are derived from the old French "Sire" (Lord), brought to England by the French-speaking Normans.
Traditionally, as governed by law and custom, Sir is used for men who are knights and may belong to certain orders of chivalry, as well as later applied to baronets and other offices.
As the female equivalent for knighthood is damehood, the suo jure female equivalent term is typically Dame. The wife of a knight or baronet tends to be addressed as Lady, although a few exceptions and interchanges of these uses exist.
Additionally, since the late modern period, Sir has been used as a respectful way to address a man of superior social status or military rank. Equivalent terms of address for women are Madam (shortened to Ma'am), in addition to social honorifics such as Mrs, Ms, or Miss.
Overview adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0; see the article history for authors).
Possible passages
Found by search and not yet checked by a person; they may only mention the idea in passing.
Upon a lie seven times removed—bear your body more seeming, Audrey—as thus, sir. I did dislike the cut of a certain courtier’s beard. He sent me word if I said his beard was not cut well, he was in the mind it was. This is called the “retort courteous”. If I sent him word again it was not well cut, he would send me word he cut it to please himself. This is called the “quip modest”. If again it was not well cut, he…
William Shakespeare, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare
Names Sir several times; states what Sir is.
I know my physic will work with him. I will plant you two, and let the fool make a third, where he shall find the letter. Observe his construction of it. For this night, to bed, and dream on the event. Farewell. [_Exit._] SIR TOBY. Good night, Penthesilea. SIR ANDREW. Before me, she’s a good wench. SIR TOBY. She’s a beagle true bred, and one that adores me. What o’ that?
William Shakespeare, Twelfth Night
Names Sir several times; opens on Sir.
M. W. By Robert Chignell, Author of “The Life and Paintings of Vicat Cole, R.A.” Romney, George. By Sir Herbert Maxwell, Bart., F.R.S., M.P. “Likely to remain the best account of the painter’s life.”—_Athenæum._ Wilkie, Sir David. By Professor Bayne. Constable, John. By the Right Hon. Lord Windsor. Raeburn, Sir Henry. By Edward Pinnington. Gainsborough, Thomas. By A. E. Fletcher. Hogarth, William. By Prof. G…
David Hume, Hume's Political Discourses
Names Sir several times; opens on Sir.
Philosophers who discussed Sir
Related ideas
- Honorific
- Southern United States
- Order of the British Empire
- New England
- South Asia
- Philippines
- Nobel Peace Prize
- Vatican City
- Knight Bachelor
- British Raj
- British Empire
- High Middle Ages
- John Polkinghorne
- Vulgar Latin
- Church of England
- Catholic Church
- English language
Place in the tradition
Part of Roger Scruton.