esquire Hear it!

esquire Definition

es·quire (eskwīr′; e skwīr, i-)

noun

  1. Historical a candidate for knighthood, acting as attendant and shield-bearer for a knight; squire
  2. in England, a member of the gentry ranking just below a knight
  3. 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
  4. Archaic a landed country gentleman; squire

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

esquire Usage Examples

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

  1. Esquimau
  2. Esquiline
  3. -esque
  4. Esq
  5. espy
  6. esprit de corps
  7. esprit d'escalier
  8. esprit
  9. espresso
  10. espouse
  1. ess
  2. -ess
  3. essay
  4. essayist
  5. essayistic
  6. esse
  7. Essen
  8. essence
  9. Essene
  10. essential