Monsignor
or mon·si·gnor
[mon-see-nyer; Italian mawn-see-nyawr]
- a title conferred upon certain prelates.
- a person bearing this title.
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Origin of Monsignor
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
evangelist, cleric, pontiff, rabbi, pastor, preacher, priest, chaplain, bishop, missionary, shepherd, vicar, curate, primate, clerk, father, abbey, cardinal, parson, rectorExamples from the Web for monsignor
Contemporary Examples
The monsignor title has been around for centuries, for even longer than Goldman Sachs has existed.
An opening letter by Monsignor Robert Weiss, a pastor at Saint Rose of Lima Parish, in Newtown, CT, sets the tone.
The monsignor there agreed to offer a blessing when Capone was buried in Mount Olivet Cemetery.
A “figure” apparently meaning the quantity of meth the monsignor should bring.
The story of Monsignor Kevin Wallins seems like a script pulled out of the Showtime offices.
Historical Examples
"Why, a fortnight or perhaps three weeks, Monsignor," replied Pierre.
The Three Cities Trilogy, CompleteEmile Zola
If Monsignor Palma proves obstinate his Holiness will never consent.
The Three Cities Trilogy, CompleteEmile Zola
Monsignor Nani smiled with his usual amiable yet keen expression.
The Three Cities Trilogy, CompleteEmile Zola
Still smiling, Monsignor Nani listened and nodded approvingly.
The Three Cities Trilogy, CompleteEmile Zola
As he had said to Monsignor Fornaro, could the Pope disavow him?
The Three Cities Trilogy, CompleteEmile Zola
Monsignor
- RC Church an ecclesiastical title attached to certain offices or distinctions usually bestowed by the PopeAbbreviation: Mgr, Msgr
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Word Origin
C17: from Italian, from French Monseigneur
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for monsignor
n.
title conferred on some prelates, 1640s, from Italian monsignore "my lord," formed on model of French monseigneur (see monseigneur) from equivalent elements in Italian.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper