I. ˈmistə(r) noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, occupation, kind, need, from Old French mestier — more at m é tier
1. archaic : class , kind , sort
what mister word is that — Francis Quarles
2. chiefly Scotland : a case or condition of need
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: alteration of master (I)
1. — used sometimes in writing instead of the usual Mr.
2. : sir — used in direct address and not followed by the given name or surname of the man addressed and typically expressing abject deference (as of a beggar)
can you let me have a dime, mister
or stiff formality tinged with displeasure or with anger
try that again, mister , and you'll be sorry
or used simply as a generalized term of direct address of a man that is a stranger especially by younger persons
hey, mister , do you want to buy a paper
3. : a man not entitled to a title of rank or an honorific or professional title
though he was only a mister , he was a greater scholar in his field than any Ph.D.
4. : husband
maybe your Mister likes herbs, but then again, he mayn't — Alice Ross
III. transitive verb
( mistered ; mistered ; mistering -t(ə)riŋ ; misters )
: to address or refer to as mister or Mr.
I mistered him and sirred him no longer — Century Magazine