Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition

Esquire

Es-quire′

,
Noun.
[OF.
escuyer
,
escuier
, properly, a shield-bearer, F.
écuyer
shield-bearer, armor-bearer, squire of a knight, esquire, equerry, rider, horseman, LL.
scutarius
shield-bearer, fr. L.
scutum
shield, akin to Gr. [GREEK] skin, hide, from a root meaning
to cover
; prob. akin to E.
hide
to cover. See
Hide
to cover, and cf.
Equerry
,
Escutcheon
.]
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.
☞ In England, the title of esquire belongs by right of birth to the eldest sons of knights and their eldest sons in perpetual succession; to the eldest sons of younger sons of peers and their eldest sons in perpetual succession. It is also given to sheriffs, to justices of the peace while in commission, to those who bear special office in the royal household, to counselors at law, bachelors of divinity, law, or physic, and to others. In the United States the title is commonly given in courtesy to lawyers and justices of the peace, and is often used in the superscription of letters instead of Mr.

Es-quire′

,
Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Esquired
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Esquiring
.]
To wait on as an esquire or attendant in public; to attend.
[Colloq.]

Webster 1828 Edition

Esquire

ESQUI'RE

,
Noun.
[L. scutum, a shield; Gr. a hide, of which shields were anciently made.], a shield-bearer or armor-bearer, scutifer; an attendant on a knight. Hence in modern times, a title of dignity next in degree below a knight. In England, this title is given to the younger sons of noblemen, to officers of the king's courts and of the household, to counselors at law, justices of the peace, while in commission, sheriffs, and other gentlemen. In the United States, the title is given to public officers of all degrees, from governors down to justices and attorneys. Indeed the title, in addressing letters, is bestowed on any person at pleasure, and contains no definite description. It is merely an expression or respect.

ESQUI'RE

,
Verb.
T.
To attend; to wait on.

Similar Results