Sir(e)

, Syr(e) , Schir ( X ), n. lord, master, XIV b 69, XVI 117; sire, father, XVI 254; oure syre , the master of our house, XVII 396; (as polite form of addre ) sir, II 131, 431, XIV c 105, XVII 294, .; sir swete , my good sir, V 169; (pref. to names and titles) Sir; e.g. of knights, V 50, X 36, .; but used also of kings, II 24, XIV a 9, b 32, .; ecclesiastics, I 201, XI b 176; and generally, II 512, VIII a 262, b 55, XVI 169. [OFr. sire .]