411 REFERENCE · Wiktionary
Sir John
Reference material by Wiktionary contributors. This retains its source identity and is not 411 news reporting.
English
Etymology
Sir was formerly a common title of address for the clergy as a translation of Latin la dominus, the term used for a bachelor of arts, originally in contradistinction from the magister, or master of arts.
Pronunciation
en ɒn 2
Noun
en obsolete colloquial A priest.
en 1808 w:John Jamieson An Etymological Dictionary of the Scottish Language 2 But how comes it to passe (may some say) that these poore Franciscans are more commonly flouted and played upon than the other fry of Friers? Verily it is not for want of examples as well of other Monks as of simple Sir Johns.
a. 1555, John Bradford, letter to Richard Hopkins
Who then, I say, will excuse these mass-gospellers' consciences? Will the Queen's highness? She shall then have more to do for herself than, without hearty and speedy repentance, she can ever be able to answer, though Peter, Paul, Mary, James, John, the Pope and all his prelates, take her part, with all the singing "Sir Johns" that ever were, are, and shall be.
Derived terms
en Sir John Lack-Latin