esquire

[ es-kwahyuhr, e-skwahyuhr ]

noun

1. (initial capital letter) an unofficial title of respect, having no precise significance, sometimes placed, especially in its abbreviated form, after a man's surname in formal written address: in the U.S., usually applied to lawyers, women as well as men; in Britain, applied to a commoner considered to have gained the social position of a gentleman. : Esq.
2. squire ( def 2 ).
3. a man belonging to the order of English gentry ranking next below a knight.
4. Archaic. squire ( def 1 ).

verb (used with object)

, es·quired, es·quir·ing.

1. to raise to the rank of esquire.
2. to address as “Esquire.”
3. to escort or attend in public.

esquire

/ ɪˈskwaɪə /

noun

1. a title of respect, usually abbreviated Esq, placed after a man's name
2. (in medieval times) the attendant and shield bearer of a knight, subsequently often knighted himself
3. rare.
   a male escort

Word History and Origins

Origin of esquire¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English esquier, from Middle French escuier, from Latin scūtārius “shield bearer,” from scūt(um) scutum + -ārius -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of esquire¹

C15: from Old French escuier, from Late Latin scūtārius shield bearer, from Latin scūtum shield

Example Sentences

The 69-year-old screen legend shared his upcoming anniversary in Esquire, recalling how “I’ve done a lot of damage to the body” with past alcohol and drug use.

From Los Angeles Times

The 69-year-old Oscar winner and "Gladiator II" star reflected on his relationship with alcohol and substances in an interview with Esquire.

From Salon

Esquire magazine, in 1960, listed him as one of the best-dressed men in America, along with Clark Gable, Fred Astaire and Cary Grant.

From Los Angeles Times

Lineker told Esquire magazine in an interview published earlier this month that he accepted he will "have to slow down at some point".

From BBC

Lineker, 63, told Esquire magazine in an interview published earlier this month that he accepted he will "have to slow down at some point".

From BBC