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

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

"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

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