N.H. and N.D. are two Latin acronyms, used mainly in the Italian language, to indicate respectively "Nobilis Homo" (a noble man)[1] and "Nobilis Domina" (a noble woman),[2] in particular with reference to the patricians of the Republic of Venice.[3] In formal written texts they are placed before the name, as a courtesy title, and roughly correspond to "lord" and "lady" in the English language.

Andrea Loredan, Venetian nobleman of the Loredan family, bust by Antonio Rizzo, Museo Correr

References

edit
  1. ^ "N.H." Vocabolario Treccani.
  2. ^ "N.D." Vocabolario Treccani.
  3. ^ Zorzi, Alvise (1985). Venezia austriaca (1798-1866). Roma-Bari: Laterza. p. 239.