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

“This time it’s James Crow, esquire, and the Proud Boys. They are relentless. We need everybody on the battlefield for this one.”

From Washington Post

They couldn’t have possibly learned more than Stephen J. Urban, esquire pretender, did in a matter of days!

From Washington Times

Platters were heaped with food and carried in by pages and esquires.

From Literature

Mr Rees-Mogg, who was brought into government by the new prime minister this week, has also asked staff in his new office to use imperial measurements and refer to non-titled males as "esquire".

From BBC

A memo for employees in Jacob Rees-Mogg’s office directs them to avoid using words such as “very,” ”hopefully” and “got,” and to address men with the courtesy title “esquire.”

From Washington Times