SIR, n. sur.
1. A word or respect used in addresses to men, as madam is in addresses to women. It signifies properly lord, corresponding to dominus in Latin, in Spanish, and herr in German. It is used in the singular or plural. Speak on, sir. But sirs, be sudden in the execution.
2. The title of a knight or baronet as Sir Horace Vere.
3. It is used by Shakespeare for man. In the election of a sir so rare. Not in use.
4. In American colleges, the title of a master of arts.
5. It is prefixed to loin, in sirloin as a sirloin of beef. This practice is said to have originated in the knighting of a loin of beef by one of the English kings in a fit of good humor.
6. Formerly the title or a priest.
The King James Bible has stood its ground for nearly 400 years. However, during that time the English language has changed, and with it the meanings of some words it used. Here are more than 6,500 words whose definitions have changed since 1611.Wikipedia
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