noun
esquire
ES-kwire/ˈɛskwˌaɪr/
A courtesy title placed after a lawyer’s name.
The nameplate uses the abbreviated title esquire after the lawyer's name.
Etymology
A scutarius was a shield-bearer, the role behind esquire as a rank below knight. The title broadened into professional courtesy and became particularly associated with lawyers in the United States.
More examples
- The firm's directory places Esquire after each lawyer's name.
- On the envelope, she writes "Maya Chen, Esquire."
- Esquire is often abbreviated as Esq. in legal correspondence.
Forms
esquire · esquires