Liberal Dictionary English Dictionary
noun, plural ef·fen·dis.
- a former Turkish title of respect, especially for government officials.
- (in eastern Mediterranean countries) a man who is a member of the aristocracy.
noun plural -dis
- (in the Ottoman Empire) a title of respect used to address men of learning or social standing
- (in Turkey since 1934) the oral title of address equivalent to Mr
Turkish title of respect, 1610s, from Turkish efendi, title of respect applied to professionals and officials, corruption of Greek authentes “lord, master” (in Modern Greek aphente; see authentic).