Esquire
English Meaning
Originally, a shield-bearer or armor-bearer, an attendant on a knight; in modern times, a title of dignity next in degree below knight and above gentleman; also, a title of office and courtesy; -- often shortened to squire.
- A man or boy who is a member of the gentry in England ranking directly below a knight.
- 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.
