esquire

(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

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

See esquire in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. A man or boy who is a member of the gentry in England ranking directly below a knight.
  2. Abbr. Esq. Used as an honorific usually in its abbreviated form, especially after the name of an attorney or a consular officer: Jane Doe, Esq.; John Doe, Esq.
  3. In medieval times, a candidate for knighthood who served a knight as an attendant and a shield bearer.
  4. Archaic An English country gentleman; a squire.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English esquier

Origin: , from Old French escuier

Origin: , from Late Latin scūtārius, shield bearer

Origin: , from Latin scūtum, shield; see skei- in Indo-European roots

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