Literary notes about sir (AI summary)
The word “sir” is used in literature both as a mark of respectful address and as a formal title that designates nobility or knighthood. In medieval works like Malory’s Arthurian legends, it identifies knights and their chivalric status—as when Sir Breunor embraces Sir Tristram ([1]) or when Sir Palomides speaks with honor ([2]). Later authors extend its use beyond mere titles: in Shakespeare’s texts, “sir” functions as a polite form of address in conversation ([3], [4]), while in historical records such as Waterloo Roll Call it denotes rank and official status ([5]). Even in later novels and dialogues by writers like Dickens and Doyle, “sir” is deployed to express courtesy and deference in both formal and casual interactions ([6], [7]). This evolution underscores the word’s versatility as both a symbolic marker of prestige and a practical term in everyday respectful speech.
- Then at the last Sir Breunor rashed upon Sir Tristram and took him in his arms, for he trusted much in his strength.
— from Le Morte d'Arthur: Volume 1 by Sir Thomas Malory - Nay, said Sir Palomides, it is too much shame for us two knights to fight with one.
— from Le Morte d'Arthur: Volume 1 by Sir Thomas Malory - Marry, sir, to bid my old master, the Jew, to sup to-night with my new master, the Christian.
— from The Complete Works of William Shakespeare by William Shakespeare - Ay, marry, sir, now it begins to work.
— from The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare - 1 Sir Robert Macara, K.C.B., K. 16 Apr. 1812 1 Jan. 1812 MAJOR.
— from The Waterloo Roll Call by Charles Dalton - In front of us as we flew up the track we heard scream after scream from Sir Henry and the deep roar of the hound.
— from The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle - Mr. Nickleby, my dear sir, you will make one.
— from Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens
