esquire

es·quire (es′kwīr′; e skwīr′, i-)

noun

Historical a candidate for knighthood, acting as attendant and shield-bearer for a knight; squire
in England, a member of the gentry ranking just below a knight
a title of courtesy, usually abbreviated Esq., Esqr., placed after a man's surname and corresponding more ceremoniously to Mr.: in the U.S., now specif. used for lawyers, male and female
Archaic a landed country gentleman; squire

Etymology: ME esquier < OFr escuier < LL scutarius, a squire, shield-bearer < L scutum, a shield: see escutcheon

Possessives

helmet: Crest On an esquire's helmet, a wolf's head.

Adjective modifier

other: Sir John Perth, and other esquires belonging to the royal escort, were slain.

Modifies a noun

helmet: Cholmondeley of Cholmondeley Arms: Quarterly 1. Gules, in chief two esquires helmets Argent and in base a garb Or.

Browse dictionary entries near esquire