address, forms of

Conventions of etiquette used to address people in correspondence and conversation according to their status or rank.

For example, the correct forms of address for a duke are: ‘His Grace the Duke of ...’ (envelope); ‘My Lord Duke’ (at start of letter); ‘Your Grace’ (further references).

Many of the methods and terms used today would have been serious breaches of etiquette a few generations ago, but are adopted now with a great freedom from due ceremony.