Effendi - Encyclopedia

GEOGRAPHICAL NAMES

EFFENDI (a Turkish word, corrupted from the Gr. aliObir Is, a lord or master), a title of respect, equivalent to the English "sir," in the Turkish empire and some other eastern countries. It follows the personal name, when that is used, and is generally givtn to members of the learned professions, and to government officials who have no higher rank, such as Bey, Pasha, &c. It may also indicate a definite office, as Hakim ejfendi,chief physician to the sultan. The possessive form effendim (my master) is used by servants and in formal intercourse.