Esquire vs. Squire — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 3, 2023
"Esquire" often denotes a title for attorneys or gentlemen, while "squire" historically refers to a landowner or a knight's apprentice.
Difference Between Esquire and Squire
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Esquire" is commonly abbreviated as "Esq." and used as an honorific title, specifically following the name of someone in the United States who practices law. On the other hand, "squire" historically was a term in feudal systems, referring to young men training to be knights.
In modern times, "esquire" has lost much of its original nobility connotation and primarily stands as a professional title for lawyers. Conversely, "squire" has a more antique tone, evoking images of medieval Europe and young men serving knights.
Beyond the professional context, "esquire" can sometimes be a general courtesy title, though this usage is rarer. "Squire" in some contexts, particularly in the UK, can also mean a principal landowner in a village or rural area.
The etymology of "esquire" is derived from the Old French word "escuier," meaning "shield bearer." It once referred to a rank just below knight. "Squire," too, comes from "escuier," reflecting their shared origin but diverging meanings over time.
Socially, if someone is addressed as "esquire" in a non-legal setting, it suggests a sense of respect or formality. In contrast, addressing someone as "squire," especially in modern times, may come across as either archaic or colloquial, depending on the context.
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Comparison Chart
Usage
Often a title for attorneys
Historically, a knight's apprentice
Context
Professional (law)
Feudal (knighthood, landownership)
Origin
Derived from Old French "escuier" (shield bearer)
Same as esquire
Modern Use
Mostly in legal profession
Rare, sometimes refers to rural landowner
Tone
Formal and professional
Either archaic or colloquial depending on the context
Compare with Definitions
Esquire
Historically, a rank just below knight.
He was bestowed the title of esquire for his service.
Squire
Historically, a young nobleman acting as an attendant to a knight.
The squire carried the knight's armor.
Esquire
A title of respect or courtesy.
Dear Mr. Smith, Esquire.
Squire
Starting in the Middle Ages, a squire was the shield- or armour-bearer of a knight.Use of the term evolved over time. Initially, a squire was a knight's apprentice.
Esquire
Used in formal correspondence.
Address the letter to Dr. Allen, Esquire.
Squire
A man of high social standing who owns and lives on an estate in a rural area, especially the chief landowner in such an area
The squire of Radbourne Hall
Squire Trelawny
Esquire
A title appended to lawyers.
John Doe, Esquire represented the client.
Squire
A young nobleman acting as an attendant to a knight before becoming a knight himself.
Esquire
A title for a gentleman.
James Patterson, Esquire, was invited to the banquet.
Squire
A subadult snapper fish (Chrysophrys auratus ).
Esquire
Esquire (, US also ; abbreviated Esq.) is usually a courtesy title. In the United Kingdom, Esquire historically 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.
Squire
(of a man) accompany or escort (a woman)
She was squired around Rome by a reporter
Esquire
A polite title appended to a man's name when no other title is used, typically in the address of a letter or other documents
J. C. Pearson Esquire
Squire
A man who attends or escorts a woman; a gallant.
Esquire
A young nobleman who, in training for knighthood, acted as an attendant to a knight.
Squire
An English country gentleman, especially the chief landowner in a district.
Esquire
A man or boy who is a member of the gentry in England ranking directly below a knight.
Squire
A magistrate or justice of the peace.
Esquire
Abbr. Esq. 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.
Squire
A local dignitary.
Esquire
Chiefly British A barrister-at-law.
Squire
A young nobleman attendant upon a knight and ranked next below a knight in feudal hierarchy.
Esquire
In medieval times, a candidate for knighthood who served a knight as an attendant and a shield bearer.
Squire
To attend as a squire; escort.
Esquire
(Archaic) An English country gentleman; a squire.
Squire
A shield-bearer or armor-bearer who attended a knight.
Esquire
A lawyer.
Squire
A title of dignity next in degree below knight, and above gentleman. See esquire.
Esquire
A male member of the gentry ranking below a knight.
Squire
A male attendant on a great personage.
Esquire
An honorific sometimes placed after a man's name.
Squire
A devoted attendant or follower of a lady; a beau.
Esquire
A gentleman who attends or escorts a lady in public.
Squire
A title of office and courtesy. See under esquire.
Esquire
(archaic) A squire; a youth who in the hopes of becoming a knight attended upon a knight
Squire
Term of address to a male equal.
Esquire
(obsolete) A shield-bearer, but also applied to other attendants.
Squire
(obsolete) A ruler; a carpenter's square; a measure.
Esquire
(heraldry) A bearing somewhat resembling a gyron, but extending across the field so that the point touches the opposite edge of the escutcheon.
Squire
(transitive) To attend as a squire.
Esquire
To attend, wait on, escort.
Squire
(transitive) To attend as a beau, or gallant, for aid and protection.
Esquire
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.
Squire
A square; a measure; a rule.
Esquire
To wait on as an esquire or attendant in public; to attend.
Squire
A shield-bearer or armor-bearer who attended a knight.
Esquire
(Middle Ages) an attendant and shield bearer to a knight; a candidate for knighthood
Squire
A title of dignity next in degree below knight, and above gentleman. See Esquire.
Esquire
A title of respect for a member of the English gentry ranking just below a knight; placed after the name
Squire
A male attendant on a great personage; also (Colloq.), a devoted attendant or follower of a lady; a beau.
Squire
A title of office and courtesy. See under Esquire.
Squire
To attend as a squire.
Squire
To attend as a beau, or gallant, for aid and protection; as, to squire a lady.
Squire
Young nobleman attendant on a knight
Squire
An English country landowner
Squire
A man who attends or escorts a woman
Squire
Attend upon as a squire; serve as a squire
Squire
A knight's apprentice.
The squire assisted the knight in his duties.
Squire
A principal landowner in a village or rural area.
The squire of the town held considerable influence.
Squire
A title of respect or courtesy in some rural areas.
Morning, squire! Lovely weather we're having.
Squire
A term for a male escort or companion.
She arrived at the event with her squire by her side.
Common Curiosities
Can "squire" refer to someone other than a knight's apprentice?
Yes, especially in the UK, it can mean a principal landowner in a rural area.
What does "esquire" commonly denote in the U.S.?
In the U.S., "esquire" is often a title for attorneys.
What's the common abbreviation for "esquire"?
"Esq."
How do British and American uses of "squire" differ?
In the UK, "squire" can sometimes mean a principal landowner, whereas in the U.S., it's mostly an archaic term.
Is "esquire" specific to the legal profession?
Mostly in modern times, but historically it had broader social connotations.
Can "esquire" be used for both men and women attorneys?
Yes, both male and female attorneys can use the title "Esquire" or "Esq."
Can "esquire" be used as a general courtesy title?
Yes, but this usage is rarer compared to its association with lawyers.
Does "esquire" have a hierarchy in nobility?
Historically, "esquire" denoted a rank just below knight.
How is "squire" historically significant?
Historically, a "squire" referred to a knight's apprentice or a young nobleman.
Are the words "esquire" and "squire" related in origin?
Yes, both come from the Old French "escuier," meaning "shield bearer."
How might one use "squire" in a colloquial context?
"Squire" can sometimes be a friendly form of address, like "Morning, squire!"
In what setting would one address someone as "esquire"?
Primarily in legal settings or formal correspondence.
Is "squire" ever used in modern titles or roles?
Outside of historical or literary contexts, it's rare but can be used to denote a rural landowner.
Can "squire" be used to denote a male companion?
Yes, "squire" can also refer to a male escort or companion.
Would it be common to hear "squire" in modern conversation?
Generally, it's rare and might sound archaic or colloquial based on the context.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
