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