sir-reverence

Sā′ver, one who saves; Save′-rev′erence, or Sir-reverence, an apologetic phrase in conversation to cover anything offensive.—adj.

Sir-reverence, sėr-rev′e-rens, n. a corr. of save-reverence.

Lat. salv� reverenti�, whence sa' reverence, sur-reverence, and sir-reverence.Sith,

S. A very reverent body; ay, such a one as a man 90 may not speak of, without he say Sir-reverence.

Cackamarda Orangate; and 'twere not for the Name of Cackamarda, and so forth, a Man had as good have a Sir-reverence at his Nose.