esquire

(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

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

A man or boy who is a member of the gentry in England ranking directly below a knight.
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.
In medieval times, a candidate for knighthood who served a knight as an attendant and a shield bearer.
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

Learn more about esquire

esquire in a sentence

link/cite print suggestion box