Origin of modern courtesies

　　Most forms of etiquette used today evolved from anc ient beginnings. The courtesies used when people greet each other are one example. The handshake probably orig inated when early man began to hold out his right hand — the weapon hand — as a sign of friendliness and peace . The handshake has taken different forms. In the Unite d States during the late 1800s, it was fashionable for a time to give a high handshake at about the level of t he nose.

　　The gesture of lifting the hat as a sign of respect is another old custom that was already established by t he Middle Ages. It was probably made even more fashiona ble by the armored knights, who lifted their helmet vis ors when meeting as a signal of recognition. When a kni ght joined a gathering of friends, he removed his helme t to show that he felt safe.

　　The titles of respect used today also have distant origins. Mister (Mr. ), a form of master, came from the Latin term magister, meaning a ruler and lawmaker. Duri ng the 18th century in the United States, many women cu stomarily addressed their husbands as "Mr. Jones, " or whatever, instead of using first names. Today Mr. is a common courtesy title given to virtually all men. Sir, another courtesy title in general use, evolved from sei gneur, the medieval French title for the lord of a feud al manor. The woman's courtesy title Madam comes from a n old French term meaning "my lady," which was used by the lower classes to address noblewomen at court.