Titles
There is a definite constraint that forecloses on the use of the word Sir or sir as a knighthood title bestowed under Byzantine Tradition. At a minimum, that constraint rests in language.
Two purposes are served in the usage of the word Sir or sir: One is to convey respect and recognition to the person addressed. The other is for the word to be granted as a title of distinction in acknowledgment of that respect and recognition.
Various societies adopt words that are specific to their language, in order to achieve the same purpose. The Spanish, for example, use the word Don (from the Latin dominus that means master); whereas, the English use Sir or sir (rooted in the Latin senex that means aged or old, and from which the words senator, senior, senile are derived). Note that the Latin senex finds its origin in the Greek ένος—enos (which means aged, dated or year, and where, if the letter ε or e is omitted, the remaining νος—nos or νέος—neos means new) from which the Latin annus derives. Furthermore, the English word Sir or sir has its root in sire (a respectful form of address toward an elder) that is also rooted in senior, senex, and enos. Continuity is evident from English to Latin to Greek.
In both a contextual and a definitive sense, the word nearest to Sir or sir in Hellenistic Byzantine usage is Κύριος or κύριος (Kyrios or kyrios means Lord or lord as well as Master or master) and, for example, is found in Scripture in Mark 9:24. It signifies a person of authority and power. From it is derived the Latin curia of the Roman Church, and also the word church itself: Κυριακός Οίκος means the Lord’s House. There is a linguistic abbreviation of Kyrios or kyrios rendered as Κυρ- or κυρ- and as a prefix to the person’s name. Both the full and abbreviated forms are in great use in contemporary Greek. With a capital K it denotes very high esteem and respect for the person addressed. Yet, it does not suggest a grant of title. In more probability it may denote an assignment in high office. The lower case k application equates to the English language Mr. and thus is in very frequent use.
CONCLUSION: It is an aimless stretch to attempt linkage between the words Sir and Κυρ- despite their phonetic similarity: Their distinct etymology does not support the connection. In addition, the cultural nuances in each domain defy undue blending of long established traditions. Each culture may grant its own titles, but not those of another culture. It remains therefore, that usage of the appellation Sir or sir in a Hellenistic Byzantine environment is justifiable only as a term of deference and respect for a person but never as a grant of title in knighthood or nobility.
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References:
Dorbarake, P. H.
(1998).
Eπίτομον
Λεξικόν της Αρχαίας
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Guralnik, David B. (Ed.). (1984). Webster's New World Dictionary of the
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Newberry, Thomas. (1970). The
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Simpson, D. P. (1968).
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