noun
esquire
A historical British rank below that of knight.
An esquire ranks below a knight in the British social hierarchy.
Etymology
The older title names a shield-bearer serving a knight. It developed into a social rank associated with that service, below knighthood itself.
More examples
- The parish records describe the landowner as an esquire.
- Several esquires attend the lord's banquet.
- Although he owns a large estate, he remains an esquire.
Forms
esquire · esquires