1861. She [Mrs. Lincoln] is profuse in the introduction of the word “sir” in every sentence, which is now almost an Americanism confined to certain classes, although it was once as common in England.—W. H. Russell, ‘My Diary, North and South,’ March 28.
*** This use of the word is still rather common among half-educated people, to which class Mrs. Lincoln belonged. It is also used in an old-fashioned way, in talking to persons of dignified position.
