courtesytitle
nounUK /ˈkɜːtəsi ˈtaɪtl/
US /ˈkɝːtəsi ˈtaɪtl/
A courtesy title is a special name people use to show respect, like calling someone 'Sir' or 'Doctor'.
Even though he wasn't a real knight, the friendly old man was given the courtesy title of 'Sir' by the villagers.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A title given to someone as a polite gesture rather than because they legally hold the position.
The mayor's wife was called 'Lady Mayor' as a courtesy title during the ceremony.
3. A title used for the children of nobles even though they have no official rank of their own.
The young lord used a courtesy title because his father was a duke.
4. A respectful word used before a person's name in everyday speech.
'Mr.' and 'Ms.' are common courtesy titles in English.