sir-reverence

American  

[sur-rev-er-uhns] / ˌsɜrˈrɛv ər əns /

noun

Obsolete.

1. (used as an expression of apology, as before unseemly or indelicate words.)

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sir-reverence British  

interjection

1. obsolete an expression of apology used esp to introduce taboo or vulgar words or phrases

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Etymology

Origin of sir-reverence

First recorded in 1565–75; alteration of save your reverence

Example Sentences

Sā′ver, one who saves; Save′-rev′erence, or Sir-reverence, an apologetic phrase in conversation to cover anything offensive.—adj.

From Project Gutenberg

Sir-reverence, sėr-rev′e-rens, n. a corr. of save-reverence.

From Project Gutenberg

Lat. salv� reverenti�, whence sa' reverence, sur-reverence, and sir-reverence.Sith,

From Project Gutenberg

S. A very reverent body; ay, such a one as a man 90 may not speak of, without he say Sir-reverence.

From Project Gutenberg

Cackamarda Orangate; and 'twere not for the Name of Cackamarda, and so forth, a Man had as good have a Sir-reverence at his Nose.

From Project Gutenberg