Definition of "messire" [messire]

• Sir: a French title of honor prefixed originally to the names of persons of high rank, but later used more loosely as a form of address. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "And they of the towne weening that the second fire was for to deliuer Iaques, the reuerend lord great master sent one of his galliasses, whose patron was called messire Boniface of Prouence, to know the cause thereof."
• "And notably in a great sea-fight which befell off Ushant on the first of June — Our Admiral, messire"
• "'I see you have taken quickly to our ways, messire,' she murmured in her light, cool voice."