Monsignori

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A title of honor or distinction used typically for bishops in the Roman Catholic Church
2. A designation given to certain clergymen in recognition of their service or achievements within the Church
3. A respected rank within ecclesiastical hierarchy, often conferred as a mark of esteem and recognition for contributions to the Church

Etymology: "Monsignori" is the plural of "monsignore," an Italian title that combines "mon-," a contraction of "mio" (my), with "signore" (lord, sir). Literally it means "my lord," a form of address once used in Italy for prelates and other high-ranking clergy, and the plural names a group of such officials. English borrowed the plural directly from Italian, so the word keeps its Italian form rather than being anglicized into something like "monsignors." Because it is a foreign plural, it is used most often in discussions of the Roman Catholic Church, where the title is conferred on certain priests as an honorific. Its English use is therefore tied closely to the vocabulary of ecclesiastical rank.