Dom

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /dɒm/

Definitions

1. A title of respect used historically for certain noble or religious figures; a territorial domain or land under specific control; a suffix used in English to form nouns expressing state, condition, or domain
2. A form of address denoting reverence for clergy or aristocrats; a geographic area governed by authority; a noun ending indicating rank, office, or jurisdiction
3. A respectful appellation for ecclesiastical or noble persons; a defined region subject to administration; a morphological element creating abstract nouns related to status or realm

Etymology: Before it became a title for men of rank, "dom" was the Latin "dominus," meaning "lord" or "master," and the word was closely tied to the household. "Dominus" itself came from "domus," meaning "house," so a lord was originally the master of a house. In Portuguese, the title "dom" was given to nobles and royalty, and its Spanish relative, "don," follows the same path from Latin. English borrowed the title in two settings. It is used for Portuguese and Spanish men as a courtesy title, placed before the given name, as in "Dom Pedro." It is also used for monks of certain orders, such as the Benedictines and Carthusians, placed before the given name in religious life. In both cases the title signals respect or status rather than a job, much as "lord" once did in English.

Synonyms: dominion, domain, lord