esquire
[ es-kwahyuhr, e-skwahyuhr ]
/ ˈɛs kwaɪər, ɛˈskwaɪər /
Save This Word!
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.
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON AFFECT VS. EFFECT!
In effect, this quiz will prove whether or not you have the skills to know the difference between “affect” and “effect.”
Question 1 of 7
The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.
Words nearby esquire
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for esquire
“Affect” vs. “Effect”: Use The Correct Word Every Time
Where Did African American Vernacular English Come From?
What Is The Difference Between “It’s” And “Its”?
“Effectiveness” vs. “Efficacy” vs. “Efficiency”: When To Use Each Word For The Best Results
What Is “GOP” Short For?
“Vaccinate” vs. “Inoculate” vs. “Immunize”: What Are The Differences?
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
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012