Word
messer
Phoneticsmess·er, stress on the first syllable
/ˈmɛsɝ/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a polite title meaning 'sir' or 'master' used in old Italian society. You see it in very old English books before a man's name.
n. a title of respect equivalent to 'sir' or 'master', borrowed from Italian messere and used in early modern English texts for an Italian gentleman.
Examples
“The old story calls him messer Antonio.”
“In the translated tale, the servant bows and addresses his employer as messer Lorenzo.”
“Scholars encountering messer in Renaissance translations should read it as a mark of civic status rather than nobility, roughly equivalent to addressing a respected householder as sir.”
Examples
simple
“The old story calls him messer Antonio.”
contextual
“In the translated tale, the servant bows and addresses his employer as messer Lorenzo.”
complex
“Scholars encountering messer in Renaissance translations should read it as a mark of civic status rather than nobility, roughly equivalent to addressing a respected householder as sir.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “messer” in context.
Verb
01. address messer
“In Venice, inferiors would address messer with uncovered head and bowed knee.”
verb + noun
02. bow to messer
“The apprentice learned to bow to messer before presenting any petition.”
verb + prep + noun
03. greet messer
“The servants rose to greet messer as he entered the great hall.”
verb + noun
04. hail messer
“The crowd gathered in the piazza to hail messer on his return.”
verb + noun
05. messer commands
“Where messer commands obedience, the household follows without question.”
noun + verb
06. messer speaks
“Messer speaks briefly, and all present listen in respectful silence.”
noun + verb
Adjective
07. good messer
“Good Messer Fabrizio, pray tell us news from Florence, the youth said.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. form of messer
“Scholars note the form of messer was reserved for nobles and learned men.”
noun + prep + noun
09. address him as messer
“In formal letters, they would address him as Messer rather than Signore.”
10. bow to messer antonio
“The young clerk was told to bow to Messer Antonio on entering.”
11. by messer giovanni's command
“By Messer Giovanni's command, the gates were closed at sunset.”
12. good messer antonio
“Good Messer Antonio, will you lend us your counsel in this matter?”
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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