SiRs

Sirs is the plural form of the honorific Sir, used to refer to or address multiple knights or other holders of the title. In the United Kingdom and many Commonwealth countries, Sir is conferred by the monarch as part of the honours system; women who are knighted are styled Dame. The plural Sirs can refer to several knights or be used when addressing a group of men regarded with respect in formal contexts.

Usage in direct address typically places Sir before the name, as in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle or Sir Arthur. In formal writing, the title precedes the name, and the surname alone is usually not used. The plural salutation Dear Sirs has been common in older business correspondence for addressing multiple male recipients; in contemporary usage, gender-neutral or more specific forms are increasingly preferred.

Etiquette and limitations: A knighthood (or baronetcy) is a non-hereditary honor bestowed by the monarch; the title can be revoked in cases of serious misconduct. The feminine equivalent is Dame. The spouse of a knight may use the courtesy title Lady, but this is not automatically granted by the knighthood itself.

Origins: The term derives from the Old French sire, from Latin senior, meaning an older man or master. In English, Sir evolved from sire as a fixed honorific for knights and certain peers, and its plural form follows standard English pluralization rules to yield Sirs.