esquire

[ es-kwahyuhr, e-skwahyuhr ]

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 ( def 2 ).
3. a man belonging to the order of English gentry ranking next below a knight.
4. Archaic. squire ( def 1 ).

verb (used with object)

, es·quired, es·quir·ing.

1. to raise to the rank of esquire.
2. to address as “Esquire.”
3. to escort or attend in public.

esquire

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of esquire¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of esquire¹

C15: from Old French escuier, from Late Latin scūtārius shield bearer, from Latin scūtum shield