Esquire is a title that has different meanings depending on the context. Here are some of the most common uses of the term:
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Historical title of respect: In the United Kingdom, esquire was a title of respect accorded to men of higher social rank, particularly members of the landed gentry above the rank of gentleman and below the rank of knight.
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Honorary title for lawyers: In the United States, "Esq." or "Esquire" is an honorary title that is placed after a practicing lawyers name. Any lawyer can take on the title esquire, regardless of what type of law they practice. However, the esquire title isn’t generally used by an attorney when referring to himself. Instead, it’s a courtesy title that is used when addressing correspondence to a practicing lawyer, or attorney, who is now an esquire.
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Social dignity: In Scotland, the title of esquire is defined as a social dignity that refers to people of the Scottish gentry, who hold the ... .
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Middle Ages term of nobility: As a title, esquire, meaning shield bearer, originated in Great Britain and France as a term of nobility in the Middle Ages. It applied to the squire of a knight, who hoped to acquire a noble rank as he rose to knighthood himself. However, in the United States, our Constitution prohibits noble titles.
In summary, esquire can refer to a historical title of respect, an honorary title for lawyers, a social dignity, or a Middle Ages term of nobility.
