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messer

master

noun meh-SEHR Rare
People & Society Honorifics

Origin: borrowed from Italian messere (my lord)

Usage Note

Messer is an archaic or literary honorific equivalent to 'master' or 'my lord', borrowed from Italian and used in medieval-style texts to address a nobleman or knight. It is not used in modern everyday speech, where messire is the corresponding old French form. It is essentially confined to historical or pastiche literary contexts.

Examples

"Messer, votre cheval est prêt."

Natural Translation

Master, your horse is ready.

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