esquire
[ es-kwahyuhr, e-skwahyuhr ]
/ ˈɛs kwaɪər, ɛˈskwaɪər /
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noun
(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. Abbreviation: Esq.
a man belonging to the order of English gentry ranking next below a knight.
Archaic. squire (def. 1).
verb (used with object), es·quired, es·quir·ing.
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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British Dictionary definitions for esquire
esquire
/ (ɪˈskwaɪə) /
noun
mainly British a title of respect, usually abbreviated Esq, placed after a man's name
(in medieval times) the attendant and shield bearer of a knight, subsequently often knighted himself
rare a male escort
Word Origin for esquire
C15: from Old French escuier, from Late Latin scūtārius shield bearer, from Latin scūtum shield
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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