Reverend \Rev"er*end\, a. [F. r['e]v['e]rend, L. reverendus, fr. revereri. See Revere.]

Worthy of reverence; entitled to respect mingled with fear and affection; venerable.

A reverend sire among them came. --Milton.

They must give good example and reverend deportment in the face of their children. --Jer. Taylor.

Note: This word is commonly given as a title of respect to ecclesiastics. A clergyman is styled the reverend; a dean, the very reverend; a bishop, the right reverend; an archbishop, the most reverend.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)