Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DON, n.

A title in Spain, formerly given to noblemen and gentlemen only, but now common to all classes. It is commonly supposed to be contracted from Dominus, dom; and the Portuguese dono, the master or owner of any thing, gives some countenance to the opinion. It coincides nearly with the Heb. ריז and אריז, a judge, ruler, or lord. It war formerly used in England, and written by Chaucer Dan. [See Spelman.] Dona, or dueña, the feminine of don, is the title of a lady, in Spain and Portugal.