I read a Query not long ago as to the time when the title "Very
Reverend" was first given to Deans. I would also offer a Query, When did
the Judges lose the title of "Reverend" and "Very Reverend," and obtain
that of "Honorable?" In the second volume of _The Year Books_ the
approbation of the twelve judges to the publication of the reports is
headed, "By the approbation of the _Reverend Judges_;" and the following
is copied from the title-page: "_Le Premier Part de les Reports del
Cases en Ley, que furent argués en le Temps de le très Haut et Puissant
Prince, Roy Edward le Tierce. Ore nouvelment Imprimés, Corrigés et
Amendés, avec les Notations and References de l' très Reverend et trés
Sage Juges de cest Royaulme, Brook et Fitzherbert. Printed, 1679._"
In the title-page of the sixth volume we find "_Avec les Notations de le
très Reverend Juges, Brook et Fitzherbert_."
Was this title, "Reverend," derived from the address given to judges
when ecclesiastics filled judicial offices, or is it simply a title of
respect applied to all persons to whom, on account of their position in
society, respectful address is due; of which we have an example in
Othello's address to the Venetian senators:
"Most potent, grave, and reverend seniors."
When did the address, "The Honorable," now given to the judges, come
into use?
How comes it that in Court the Puisne Judges are addressed by the title
of "Lord," whereas the Master of the Rolls, who ranks before them,
receives the title of "Your Honor?"
The use of the title "Honorable" to the House of Commons, and to members
within its walls, is familiar to us all.
The worthiness and antiquity of the title is proved by its being given
to one of the Persons of the Eternal Trinity in the Te Deum.