signor

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a courtesy title used before the name of, or in addressing, an Italian man; equivalent to Mr. or sir

   Signor Bellini greeted the visitors at the door.

2. 2
   noun

   historical: an Italian gentleman, lord, or man of rank

   The Venetian signor served on the republic's governing council.

Borrowed from Italian signor, the shortened form of signore, from Latin seniorem, the accusative of senior ("older"). The idea of seniority developed into social rank, then into a respectful form of address comparable to English Mr. or sir.

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