Definition of "esquire" [es•quire]

• A man or boy who is a member of the gentry in England ranking directly below a knight. (noun)
• 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. (noun)
• In medieval times, a candidate for knighthood who served a knight as an attendant and a shield bearer. (noun)
• Archaic An English country gentleman; a squire. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• ""No, I haven't even the title esquire, which, I understand, all American citizens possess.""
• ""Why," replied old Bartlemy, slowly, as his gaze wandered from face to face, "the esquire is the false priest from Oundle, and the young lady is his novice.""
• "Stephen Romylowe is expressly called esquire of Edward prince of Wales (the Black Prince), and he held an annuity from that prince."