Matthew 23:7

τοὺς ἀσπασμοὺς, the (usual) salutations, in themselves innocent courtesies, but coveted because offered in public places, and as demonstrations of respect. ῥαββί, literally, my great one, like the French monsieur; in Christ's time a new title of honour for the Jewish doctors (vide Lightfoot, Ewald. Gesch. Christi, p. 305; Schürer, ii., p. 315, who says the title came into use after the time of Christ).