mister

mister¹

/mis"teuhr/, n.

1. (cap.) a conventional title of respect for a man, prefixed to the name and to certain official designations (usually written as the abbreviation Mr.).

2. Informal. sir (used in direct address and not followed by the name of the man addressed): Mister, is this your umbrella?

3. (cap.) a title prefixed to a mock surname that is used to represent possession of a particular attribute, identity, etc.: Mister Know-it-all.

4. the informal or social title used in addressing a military warrant officer or any naval officer below the rank of commander.

5. (esp. in military schools and colleges)

a. a term of respect used by cadets in addressing upperclassmen: used with surname.

b. a term of disparagement used by upperclassmen in addressing cadets: Mister, tuck in that shirttail!

6. Older Use. husband: You and the mister staying long?

v.t.

7. to address or speak of as "mister" or "Mr."

[1545-55; var. of MASTER]

mister²

/mis"teuhr/, n.

a spray, nozzle, or similar device for misting plants.

[MIST + -ER¹]

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