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DictionarymonsignorPriestly title
noun

monsignor

mon-SEEN-yer/mɑːnˈsiːnjər/

A title of honor for certain Roman Catholic priests.

The priest is addressed as monsignor during the formal introduction.

In a Catholic church, a bishop honors a priest in clerical dress while other clergy treat him with special formal respect.
Etymology
monsignorItalianmy lord

Meaning “my lord,” the Italian expression is a respectful form of address. Its ecclesiastical use makes it an honorific conferred on certain Catholic dignitaries and a name for someone holding that title.

In context

The Chapel speaker15:20
At least the sins I wanted to tell my monsignor, right?
Christ Is (Part 3) - Christ Is Our Confidence
Historic Environment Scotland speaker4:16
of work that somebody else did. Monsignor Charles Burns is a priest who lives in Rome,
Travels of Marco Grimani in Scotland

More examples

  • Several monsignors attended the service.
  • She thanked the monsignor for his help.
  • The invitation used the title monsignor.

Forms

monsignor · monsignors · monsignori

Similar words

father
A common address for priests without this honorific rank.
bishop
A different ordained office, not simply an honorary priestly title.