Don (d&obreve_;n), n. [Sp. don; akin to Pg. dom, It. donno; fr. L. dominus master. See Dame, and cf. Domine, Dominie, Domino, Dan, Dom.] 1. Sir; Mr; Signior; -- a title in Spain, formerly given to noblemen and gentlemen only, but now common to all classes.
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Don is used in Italy, though not so much as in Spain. France talks of Dom Calmet, England of Dan Lydgate. Oliphant.
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2. A grand personage, or one making pretension to consequence; especially, the head of a college, or one of the fellows at the English universities. [Univ. Cant] “The great dons of wit.” Dryden.
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