esquire

American  

[es-kwahy^uhr, e-skwahyuhr] / ˈɛs kwaɪər, ɛˈskwaɪər /

noun

1. (initial capital letter) an unofficial title of respect, having no precise significance, sometimes placed, especially in its abbreviated form, after a man's surname in formal written address: in the U.S., usually applied to lawyers, women as well as men; in Britain, applied to a commoner considered to have gained the social position of a gentleman. Esq.

2. squire.

3. a man belonging to the order of English gentry ranking next below a knight.

4. Archaic. squire.

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verb (used with object)

esquired, esquiring

1. to raise to the rank of esquire.

2. to address as “Esquire.”

3. to escort or attend in public.

esquire British  

/ ɪˈskwaɪə /

noun

1. a title of respect, usually abbreviated Esq, placed after a man's name

2. (in medieval times) the attendant and shield bearer of a knight, subsequently often knighted himself

3. rare a male escort

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Etymology

Origin of esquire

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English esquier, from Middle French escuier, from Latin scūtārius “shield bearer,” from scūt(um) scutum + -ārius -ary

Example Sentences

"AUTHOR OF THE SPY, ESQUIRE: "Dear Sir:—Your favor is come to hand, and found me in good health, as I hope these few lines will have the same advantage with you.

From The Monikins by Cooper, James Fenimore

At an earlier period, the Municipal Council of Ballaarat East paid me the compliment of the subjoined address:-- TO W. WILLS, ESQUIRE, M.D.

From Successful Exploration Through the Interior of Australia by Wills, William John

On it, in large, breezy, long-legged letters, were engraved the words:— SOUTH-WEST WIND, ESQUIRE.

From The Ontario Readers Third Book by Ontario. Ministry of Education