sir-reverence

American

[sur-rev-er-uhns] / ˌsɜrˈrɛv ər əns /

noun

Obsolete.

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

sir-reverence British

interjection

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of sir-reverence

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From The Comedy of Errors by Shakespeare, William

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023